Multi-tool technology

ABSTRACT

A multi-tool having a plurality of tool-receipt openings adapted to receive respective tools. The multi-tool can be used on turret presses, single-station presses, other industrial presses, or other fabrication equipment.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of application Ser. No.11/696,940 filed Apr. 5, 2007 which in turn claims priority toprovisional U.S. patent application filed Apr. 7, 2006 and assigned Ser.No. 60/790,033, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

The invention relates generally to tools for industrial presses or otherfabrication equipment. More particularly, the invention relates tomulti-tools for turret presses, single-station presses, other industrialpresses, or other fabrication equipment.

BACKGROUND

Sheet metal and other workpieces can be fabricated into a wide range ofuseful products. The fabrication (i.e., manufacturing) process commonlyrequires various bends and/or holes to be formed in the workpieces. Theequipment types used in fabricating sheet metal and other workpiecesinclude turret presses and other industrial presses (such assingle-station presses), Trumpf style machine tools and other rail typesystems, press brakes, sheet feed systems, coil feed systems, and manyother types of fabrication equipment adapted for punching or pressingsheet materials.

The present invention provides multi-tools that can be used with manytypes of fabrication equipment. Turret presses are one type of machinetool on which multi-tools have been used. Following is a briefbackground discussing multi-tools in the context of a turret press. Thevarious multi-tool embodiments of the present invention, however, can beused with any type of fabrication equipment, such as single-stationpresses or other presses not having turrets.

Turret presses have found wide use in forming sheet metal and the like.These presses commonly have an upper turret that holds a series ofpunches at locations spaced circumferentially about its periphery, and alower turret that holds a series of dies at locations spacedcircumferentially about its periphery. Commonly, the turrets can berotated about a vertical axis to bring a desired punch and die set intovertical alignment at a work station. By appropriately rotating theupper and lower turrets, an operator can bring a number of differentpunch and die sets sequentially into alignment at the work station inthe process of performing a series of different pressing operations.

Multi-tools for turret presses and other presses allow a plurality ofdifferent tools to be available at a single tool-mount location on thepress. Thus, in place of a tool with only one punch, there can beprovided a multi-tool carrying a number of different punches. With sucha multi-tool, any one of a plurality of punches carried by themulti-tool can be selected and moved to an operable position. Then, whena ram of the punch press acts on (e.g., strikes) the multi-tool, onlythe selected (or “activated”) punch is forced into engagement with theworkpiece. Such multi-tools can carry punches, forming tools, dies,combinations of punches and forming tools, combinations of punches anddies, etc.

Existing multi-tools provide a number of advantages over using aconventional single tool at each tool-mount location. However, there isa great deal of room for further advances in multi-tool technology.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a partially exploded perspective view of a multi-tool inaccordance with certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2A shows a side profile view of a multi-tool in accordance withcertain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2B shows a cutaway side profile view of the multi-tool shown inFIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C shows a top profile view of a guide housing for a multi-tool,with a tool mounted therein, in accordance with certain embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 2D shows a perspective view of a driver assembly for a multi-toolin accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a punch that can beprovided in certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3A shows a front profile view of the punch shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 shows a top profile view of a guide housing for a multi-tool,without any tools mounted therein, in accordance with certainembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a side cutaway view of a guide housing for a multi-tool,with a tool shown in a partially removed position, in accordance withcertain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a guide housing for a multi-tool inaccordance with certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 7A shows a side cutaway view of a multi-tool, with a tool mountedtherein, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 7B shows a partially exploded side cutaway view of the multi-toolof FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8 shows a side cutaway view of a multi-tool, with tools mountedtherein, and a skid plate in a first orientation, in accordance withcertain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a side cutaway view of the multi-tool of FIG. 8, with theskid plate in a second orientation, in accordance with certainembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 10 shows a partially broken-away, side cutaway, detail view of anarea adjacent to a tool-receipt opening of the multi-tool of FIG. 8, thetool-receipt opening being shown with no tool;

FIG. 11 shows a side cutaway view of a guide housing for a multi-tool,with one tool mounted therein and another tool in a partially removedposition, and a skid plate in a first orientation, in accordance withcertain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 12 shows a side cutaway view of the multi-tool of FIG. 11, with theskid plate in a second orientation, in accordance with certainembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 13 shows a side cutaway view of a punch press having a lower tableon which there is mounted a form-up multi-tool in accordance withcertain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a skid plate for a multi-tool inaccordance with certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional side view of a skid plate for amulti-tool in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a skid plate for a multi-tool inaccordance with certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of a skid plate for a multi-tool inaccordance with certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a skid plate for a multi-tool inaccordance with certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 19 shows a partially-exploded side cutaway view of a multi-toolprovided with a threading tool in accordance with certain embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of a threading tool that can beprovided in certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 21 shows a side cutaway view of a multi-tool in accordance withcertain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 22 shows a side cutaway view of a multi-tool in accordance withcertain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 23 shows a side schematic cutaway view of a multi-tool inaccordance with certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of a driver assembly for a multi-toolin accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a driver assembly in accordance withcertain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 26 is a side cutaway view of a multi-tool, with one activated tooland one non-activated tool being detailed, in accordance with certainembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 27 is another side cutaway view of the multi-tool of FIG. 26,wherein both of the tools that are shown in detail are depicted withtheir tips inside a guide housing of the multi-tool;

FIG. 28 is a side cutaway view of the multi-tool of FIG. 26, with twonon-activated tools being detailed;

FIG. 29 is another side cutaway view of the multi-tool of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30A is a broken-away detail view showing engagement of a striker(or “hammer”) of a driver assembly and an activated tool in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 30B is a broken-away detail view showing engagement of a striker(or “hammer”) of a driver assembly and an activated tool in accordancewith another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 31 is a perspective a view of a skid plate in accordance withcertain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a guide housing sleeving assembly inaccordance with certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of a guide housing sleevingassembly in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 34 is a partially exploded, partially broken-away side cutaway viewof a guide housing sleeving assembly in accordance with certainembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of a push-button assembly inaccordance with certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the push-button assembly of FIG. 35shown in an assembled state;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a guide housing having a center post inaccordance with certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the guide housing of FIG. 37 with thecenter post having thereon locked the push-button assembly of FIG. 36;

FIG. 39A is a top detail view of a base component of the form-upmulti-tool of FIG. 13;

FIG. 39B is a side detail view of a head of the form-up multi-tool ofFIG. 13;

FIG. 39C is a side view of an individual forming tool that can be usedin the form-up multi-tool of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 39D is a bottom detail view of the head of the form-up multi-toolof FIG. 13.

SUMMARY

In certain embodiments, the invention provides a multi-tool having aplurality of tool-receipt openings adapted to receive respective tools.The multi-tool includes a guide housing, which preferably has an endfrom which a tip of an activated tool can be extended during a pressingoperation. In the present embodiments, the multi-tool includes a driverassembly that can be selectively attached to and removed from the guidehousing. The present multi-tool includes a skid plate having atool-access opening that can be selectively aligned with a desired one(optionally with any one) of the tool-receipt openings, e.g., byperforming a relative rotation of the skid plate and the tool-receiptopenings. When the tool-access opening is aligned with the desiredtool-receipt opening, a desired tool can be loaded into or unloaded fromthe desired tool-receipt opening by passing the desired tool through thetool-access opening. In some of the present embodiments, the skid plateis rotatable (e.g., relative to the guide housing).

Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of unloading toolsfrom a multi-tool. In the present embodiments, the multi-tool has aplurality of tool-receipt openings in which respective tools arereceived. In the present method, the multi-tool includes a driverassembly secured removably to a guide housing. The present multi-toolincludes a skid plate having a tool-access opening that can beselectively aligned with a desired one (optionally with any one) of thetool-receipt openings by performing a relative rotation of the skidplate and the tool-receipt openings. When the tool-access opening isaligned with a desired one of the tool-receipt openings, a desired toolin the desired tool-receipt opening can be unloaded from the desiredtool-receipt opening by passing the desired tool through the tool-accessopening. In the present embodiments, the skid plate is rotatable, andthe noted relative rotation involves rotating the skid plate. The methodcomprises removing the driver assembly from the guide housing,performing a relative rotation of the skid plate and the tool-receiptopenings to selectively align the tool-access opening with the desiredtool-receipt opening, and removing the desired tool from the desiredtool-receipt opening by passing the desired tool through the tool-accessopening.

In some embodiments, the invention provides a multi-tool having aplurality of tool-receipt openings adapted to receive respective tools.The multi-tool includes a guide housing, preferably one having an endfrom which a tip of an activated tool can be extended during a pressingoperation. In the present embodiments, the multi-tool includes a driverassembly having a striker, and a relative rotation of the striker andthe tool-receipt openings can be performed such that the striker isselectively aligned with a desired one (optionally any one) of thetool-receipt openings. In the present embodiments, the multi-toolincludes a direct lubrication passage having an outlet adapted todeliver lubricant directly to a location adjacent to the desiredtool-receipt opening.

Certain embodiments of the invention provide a multi-tool having aplurality of tool-receipt openings in which respective tools arereceived. The multi-tool includes a guide housing, preferably one havingan end from which a tip of an activated one of the tools can be extendedduring a pressing operation. In the present embodiments, the multi-toolincludes a driver assembly having a striker, and a relative rotation ofthe driver assembly and the guide housing can be performed so as toselectively align the striker with different ones (optionally with anyone or more) of the tools. In the present embodiments, the striker isaligned with an activated tool, the activated tool has an internal lubepassage, and the driver assembly has a direct lubrication passage withan outlet that is adapted to deliver lubricant directly to a locationadjacent to an inlet of the internal lube passage of the activated tool.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides a multi-tool having aplurality of tool-receipt openings adapted to receive respective tools.The multi-tool includes a guide housing, preferably one having an endfrom which a tip of an activated tool can be extended during pressingoperations. In the present embodiments, the multi-tool includes a driverassembly that can be selectively attached to and removed from the guidehousing. The present multi-tool includes a skid plate having atool-retention structure adapted for securing a non-activated tool(optionally for securing a plurality, or all, of the non-activatedtools) in a restrained position such that the non-activated tool isprevented during pressing operations from coming into contact with aworkpiece.

Some embodiments of the invention provide a multi-tool having aplurality of tool-receipt openings in which respective self-strippingtool assemblies are mounted. In the present embodiments, eachself-stripping tool assembly has an upper portion with a strippingspring and a lower portion with a tip. Here, the multi-tool includes adriver assembly and a guide housing, the driver assembly can beselectively attached to and removed from the guide housing, and when thedriver assembly is removed from the guide housing, an interior cavitybounded by the guide housing is exposed. In the present embodiments, themulti-tool includes a punch guide tip bounding the tool-receipt openingsand surrounding the lower portions of the self-stripping toolassemblies, and the upper portions of the self-stripping tool assembliesare disposed in the cavity.

In certain embodiments, there is provided a punch press in combinationwith a form-up multi-tool. Here, the punch press has upper and lowertables, the form-up multi-tool is mounted on the lower table, and thepunch press has a workpiece position located between the upper and lowertables. In the present embodiments, the form-up multi-tool carries aplurality of individual forming tools and has a head bounding aplurality of openings in which respective ones of the forming tools aredisposed. Preferably, the form-up multi-tool has an adjustment mechanismthat can be oriented so as to selectively place an activated one (or aplurality of activated ones) of the forming tools in an activatedconfiguration. The activated configuration is characterized by theactivated forming tool being rigidly secured in an upright position.Preferably, the head and non-activated ones of the forming tools have alimited range of freedom to move vertically downwardly relative to theactivated forming tool. The adjustment mechanism, in some of the presentembodiments, comprises a rotatable plate defining a series of openingsadapted for being aligned respectively with the non-activated formingtools. When provided, the rotatable plate can advantageously have arigid surface adapted for being engaged by a bottom end of the activatedforming tool. Optionally, the head and the non-activated forming toolsare adapted to move vertically downwardly (e.g., during a formingoperation) within the noted limited range relative to the rotatableplate of the adjustment mechanism. This relative vertical movement caninvolve the non-activated tools passing downwardly through respectiveones of the openings defined by the rotatable plate, and during thisrelative vertical movement the activated forming tool preferably isprevented from moving downwardly by the rigid surface of the rotatableplate. In some of the present embodiments, there is a first number ofthe forming tools, there is a second number of the openings defined bythe rotatable plate of the adjustment mechanism, and the second numberis at least one less than the first number. Optionally, the rotatableplate of the adjustment mechanism is rotatable relative to the head (orat least a top face/wall thereof) and/or relative to the forming toolsof the multi-tool.

Some embodiments of the invention provide a multi-tool having aplurality of tool-receipt openings adapted to receive respective tools.The multi-tool comprises a guide housing, preferably one having an endfrom which a tip of an activated tool can be extended during a pressingoperation. In the present embodiments, the multi-tool includes a driverassembly having a striker, and a relative rotation of the guide housingand the driver assembly can be performed such that the striker isselectively aligned with a desired one of the tool-receipt openings. Inthe present embodiments, at least one surface of the multi-tool isprovided with a surface enhancement selected from the group consistingof a surface hardening enhancement and a surface lubricity enhancement.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method of unloading amulti-tool. In the present embodiments, the multi-tool has a pluralityof tool-receipt openings in which respective tools are received. In thepresent method, the multi-tool includes a driver assembly securedremovably to a guide housing, and the driver assembly has therein formeda tool-access passage. Further, the present multi-tool includes a skidplate having a tool-access opening that can be selectively aligned witha desired one (optionally with any one) of the tool-receipt openings,e.g., by rotating the skid plate. Preferably, when the skid plate'stool-access opening is aligned with a desired one of the tool-receiptopenings, the driver assembly's tool-access passage can be aligned withthe tool-access opening and the desired tool-receipt opening, such thata desired tool in the desired tool-receipt opening can be unloaded fromthe desired tool-receipt opening by passing the desired tool through thetool-access opening and out of the multi-tool through the driverassembly's tool-access passage. In the present embodiments, the methodcomprises, without removing the driver assembly from the guide housing,performing a relative rotation of the skid plate and the tool-receiptopenings to selectively align the skid plate's tool-access opening withthe desired tool-receipt opening, and, previously or subsequently,aligning the driver assembly's tool-access passage with the skid plate'stool-access opening, and removing the desired tool from the desiredtool-receipt opening by passing the desired tool through the skidplate's tool-access opening and through the driver assembly'stool-access passage.

In some embodiments, the invention provides a multi-tool having aplurality of tool-receipt openings adapted to receive respective tools.The present multi-tool includes a driver assembly, a guide housing, anda skid plate. The skid plate has a tool-access opening that can beselectively aligned with a desired one (optionally with any one) of thetool-receipt openings. The present driver assembly has a tool-accesspassage. In the present embodiments, when the skid plate's tool-accessopening is aligned with the desired tool-receipt opening, the driverassembly's tool-access passage can be aligned with both the tool-accessopening and the desired tool-receipt opening such that a desired tool(sized to be operatively received in the desired tool-receipt opening)can be loaded into the desired tool-receipt opening by passing thedesired tool into the driver assembly's tool-access passage and throughthe skid plate's tool-access opening.

Description of Various Embodiments

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in theart to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modificationsto the illustrated embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in theart given the present teaching as a guide, and the principles taughtherein can be applied to accommodate other applications and/or toachieve other embodiments. Thus, embodiments of the invention are notlimited to the preferred embodiments shown, but rather are to beaccorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and featuresdisclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read withreference to the figures, in which like elements in different figureshave like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily toscale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit thescope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognizethe examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fallwithin the scope of embodiments of the invention. The following materialis intended to familiarize the reader with the general nature, andvarious features, of embodiments of the invention.

Tool-Access Skid Plate

Some embodiments of the invention provide a multi-tool 10 having atool-access skid plate 30. In these embodiments, the tool-access skidplate 30 can be incorporated into many different types of multi-tools.Generally, the multi-tool 10 will be adapted to carry a plurality oftools 16. Thus, the multi-tool 10 preferably has a plurality oftool-receipt openings 40 adapted to receive respective tools 16. Theindividual tools can be punching tools (i.e., punches), forming tools,threading tools (e.g., drop-in insert threading tools, such as thoseadapted to tap or thread internal or external surfaces), dies, orvarious combinations of different types of tools. The multi-tool can,for example, carry all punches, all forming tools, all dies, somepunches and some forming tools, some punches and some dies, etc. In somecases, the tools 16 will be punches, and the tool-receipt openings 40will be punch-receipt openings.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2C, the multi-tool 10 is shown with threetool-receipt openings 40. This, however, is by no means required, asthere can be virtually any number of these openings. Moreover, themulti-tool 10 in some embodiments can be a multi-track multi-tool, wherethe multi-tool is adapted to carry multiple tracks of individual tools.Exemplary details of such multi-track multi-tools are provided later inthis disclosure.

FIG. 2C shows a top view of an exemplary multi-tool 10 having atool-access skid plate 30. Here, the multi-tool 10 has a driver assembly12 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 2D) and a guide housing 14, and the driverassembly can be selectively attached to and removed from the guidehousing. In FIG. 2C, the driver assembly 12 has been removed from theguide housing 14. As a result, an interior cavity 15 bounded by theillustrated guide housing 14 is exposed. In the illustrated embodiment,the skid plate 30 is located between this interior cavity 15 and thetool-receipt openings 40. Other embodiments, though, may not have thecavity.

Preferably, the skid plate 30 in the present embodiments can be put intoat least one configuration in which it provides a tool-access opening100 through which an individual tool 16 can be passed into or out of aselected tool-mount opening 40 of the multi-tool 10. With the skid plate30 maintained in such a configuration, it preferably prevents at leastone other tool-receipt opening 40 (in some cases a plurality, such asall, of the other openings 40) of the multi-tool 10 from being loaded orunloaded. This functionality can be achieved in different ways. Forexample, the skid plate 30 can have an opening 100 that moves to adesired position as the skid plate rotates. Alternatively, the skidplate can have one or more openings with moveable doors, flanges, etc.that can be selectively opened or closed. Other variants can be used aswell.

As is perhaps best seen in FIGS. 1, 2C, and 6, the tool-access skidplate 30 facilitates easy removal of a desired tool (optionally adesired punch) 16 from the multi-tool 10. The illustrated skid plate 30has a tool-access opening 100 that can be selectively aligned with adesired one (optionally with any desired one) of the tool-receiptopenings 40. Here, the skid plate 30 can be moved (e.g., rotated)relative to the guide housing (and/or relative to the tool-receiptopenings) in such a way that the tool-access opening 100 can beselectively aligned with (e.g., moved to a position where it is directlyover) a desired one (optionally any one) of the tool-receipt openings40. In use, the skid plate can be moved relative to the guidehousing/tool-receipt openings, the guide housing/tool-receipt openingscan be moved relative to the skid plate, or both. Thus, the skid plate30 preferably is mounted rotatably on the multi-tool (optionally or theguide housing). While this is not required in all embodiments, it willcommonly be preferred. Thus, by causing relative rotation of theillustrated skid plate 30 and the tool-receipt openings 40, thetool-access opening 100 can be selectively aligned with a desired one ofthe tool-receipt openings 40. In some embodiments, by rotating the skidplate 30 about a central vertical axis VA of the multi-tool, the skidplate's tool-access opening 100 can be selectively aligned with any oneof the tool-receipt openings 40.

When the tool-access opening 100 of the present skid plate 30 is alignedwith an activated tool, the skid plate preferably defines a wall thatprevents one or more (optionally all) of the non-activated tools in themulti-tool from escaping the tool-receipt openings 40 in which they aremounted (even when the driver assembly is removed from the guidehousing). Referring to FIGS. 37 and 38, for example, it can be seen thatthe skid plate 30 confines (or encloses) all the tools other than theactivated one within respective tool-receipt openings 40. Thus, when thedriver assembly 12 is operably coupled with the guide housing 14 andskid plate 30, the illustrated skid plate provides a rotatable wall(preferably a rigid one) between all the non-activated tools and thedriver assembly 12. These details, however, are not required for allembodiments.

The skid plate 30 can optionally have a generally annular (e.g.,ring-shaped) and/or disc-shaped configuration. However, otherconfigurations can be used. In certain embodiments, the skid plate 30has an outer edge 104 that forms a circle (or a semi-circle). While thiswill commonly be preferred, it is not necessary. For example, the outeredge 104 of the skid plate 30 can alternatively form any of a variety ofdifferent polygonal shapes (a decagon, hexagon, etc., or a variety ofirregular shapes).

In FIG. 2C, it can be appreciated that the skid plate 30 bounds and/ordefines the tool-access opening 100. As noted above, this opening 100facilitates loading tools into, and removing tools from, the multi-tool10. In some embodiments, an operator has only to remove the driverassembly 12 from the guide housing 14 (which in some cases can be doneby a tool-free operation, as described later in this disclosure) beforebeing able to load or unload tools. In other embodiments, such as thatshown in FIG. 24, an operator can load or unload tools without removingthe driver assembly 12 from the guide housing 14. In both embodimenttypes, it is not necessary to remove the skid plate from (or fullydisassemble) the multi-tool before loading or unloading tools.

The opening 100 can have a wide variety of configurations/shapes. Forexample, the opening 100 can be generally semi-circular, generallysquare, generally rectangular, generally triangular, generally oblong,and/or elongated in a radial direction. FIGS. 16-18 exemplify certainembodiments wherein the opening 100 has an elongated configuration witha major dimension extending radially. Additionally or alternatively, theopening 100 can have an inside portion 100A (optionally having agenerally circular configuration) through which tools can be loaded andunloaded for an inside track of the multi-tool, and an outside portion100B (optionally having a generally circular configuration) throughwhich tools can be loaded and unloaded for an outside track of themulti-tool. The multi-tool 10 may have one track, two tracks, or more,and the tool-access opening 100 may (as just one example) have onegenerally circular portion for each track.

When aligned with a desired one of the tool-receipt openings 40, thetool-access opening 100 provides a large enough passage that a desiredtool 16 (e.g., a tool sized to be operably mounted in the desiredtool-receipt opening) can be passed through the opening 100 and loadedinto, or unloaded from, the desired tool-receipt opening 40.

The illustrated skid plate 30 has only one tool-access opening 100.However, this is not required. For example, the skid plate canalternatively have two or more tool-access openings.

In some of the present embodiments, the tool-access opening 100 isbounded by an inner edge 30I of the skid plate 30. In FIG. 2C, theillustrated opening 100 has a generally semi-circular overallconfiguration, although this is by no means required (e.g., it canalternatively have a generally square, rectangular, triangular, or ovalconfiguration).

In certain embodiments, the tool-access opening has an interiordimension that is generally the same as a corresponding interiordimension of one or more (optionally each) of the tool-receipt openings.For example, in FIG. 4, the illustrated tool-access opening 100 has aninterior dimension ID extending between two generally-confrontingsemi-circle sections 100SS defined by the inner edge 30I of the skidplate 30. This dimension can be generally the same, substantially thesame, or the same as a corresponding interior dimension of an uppersection (e.g., an upper section adapted to receive a head of a tool) ofeach tool-receipt opening 40. In FIG. 2B, the inner edge 30I of the skidplate 30 is (in one or more locations bounding the indexed tool-accessopening 40) at least generally flush with an inner surface 211 of thewall bounding an upper section of that tool-access opening. In otherembodiments, though, the tool-access opening 100 has significantlylarger interior dimensions than the tool-receipt openings 40.

The tool-access opening 100 can be a cut-out made in the plate 30. Theskid plate can be machined, for example, by taking a piece of roundstock, putting the piece on a lathe, forming internal bores, forming anyexternal bores, and then finishing each side. Many other methods can beused as well. For example, the skid plate 30 can be formed (e.g., cast)in the shape of a ring, and the tool-access opening 100 can then be cutout of the skid plate 30. Alternatively, the skid plate can be cast insuch a way that it initially has both an annular shape and thetool-access opening 100. When a casting process is used, non-metalinjection molding or metal injection molding may both be viable options.

In some embodiments, the skid plate 30 has a width (i.e., the distancebetween its inner edge 30I and its outer edge 104) that is smallestadjacent the tool-access opening 100. For example, the illustrated skidplate 30 has a width that is substantially the same at all locationsabout the perimeter (e.g., circumference) of the skid plate except atthe tool-access opening 100 (where the width is smaller). In theillustrated embodiments, the tool-access opening 100 does not span theentire width of the skid plate 30. That is, the opening 100 does notextend entirely between the inner 30I and outer 104 edges of the skidplate 30. It is contemplated, though, that other embodiments can providea skid plate wherein the tool-access opening is bounded between twoconfronting ends of the skid plate, e.g., such that the plate has asomewhat horseshoe-shaped configuration with the tool-access openingbeing defined between the two ends of the horseshoe. In still otherembodiments, the tool-access opening is not open to the skid plate'scentral opening, unlike the illustrated embodiments.

The tool-access opening 100 can optionally have at least one key-passageportion 100K. When provided, the key-passage portion 100K preferably isconfigured to provide clearance for a key K on a tool 16 to be passedthrough the opening 100. This is perhaps best appreciated with referenceto FIG. 4. Here, the key-passage portion 100K can be aligned with akeyway KW (which can optionally have a generally square or rectangularshape) that opens into a tool-receipt opening 40. In the embodiment ofFIG. 4, the keyway KW is defined by a punch carrier (or “upper guide”)42 of the multi-tool 10 (the punch carrier optionally be mountedresiliently within the guide housing of the multi-tool). Additionally oralternatively, the punch guide tip can define a keyway.

In some embodiments, the inner edge 30I of the skid plate 30 has atleast one semi-circle section 100SS (and perhaps more preferably aplurality of semi-circle sections) bounding the tool-access opening 100.When provided, the semi-circle section(s) can advantageously have acurvature (e.g., radius) that matches the curvature of a correspondinginterior wall area of a tool-receipt opening 40. Here, the term“matches” can mean at least generally the same as, at leastsubstantially the same as, and/or the same as. In FIG. 4, thesemi-circle sections 100SS on opposite ends of the arrow (which showsinner dimension ID) have curvatures matching the respective curvaturesof the adjacent (e.g., upper) interior wall areas of the indexedtool-receipt opening 40.

In FIG. 2B, each tool-receipt opening 40 has an upper region with alarger diameter than a lower region of the opening 40. The upper regionis adapted to receive the head of a tool—in particular, a tool having ahead with a larger dimension (e.g., diameter) than the rest of the tool(as exemplified by the tool 16 in FIG. 2B). This configuration, however,is not required in all embodiments.

In embodiments like that shown in FIG. 4, the inner edge 30I of the skidplate 30 has at least one irregular section bounding the tool-accessopening 100. When provided, the irregular section does not have aregular semi-circle shape. For example, the irregular section can have agenerally V-shaped configuration, a generally U-shaped configuration, agenerally rectangular configuration, a generally square configuration,etc. The term “regular semi-circle shape” means the shape of asemi-circle having a radius that does not change substantially atdifferent locations on the semi-circle. The portion of the inner edge30I bounding the tool-access opening 100 can optionally have both anirregular section and a semi-circle section 100SS. In some cases, atleast one irregular section is located between two semi-circle sections100SS. For example, FIG. 4 shows an embodiment where irregular sectionsand semi-circle sections 100SS are arranged alternately in sequence.These features, however, are optional and need not be provided in otherembodiments.

Referring to FIG. 2C, when it is desired to unload a tool, the skidplate 30 can simply be rotated (in either direction depicted by thearrow RA) until the tool-access opening 100 is aligned with a desiredone of the tool-receipt openings 40. In FIG. 2C, only one individualtool 16 is in the multi-tool. To remove this tool 16 from themulti-tool, an operator can slide the skid plate 30 so it rotates in thenoted manner until the tool-access opening 100 is aligned with thetool-receipt opening 40 that carries the illustrated tool 16. At thispoint, the aligned openings 100, 40 provide adequate clearance for thetool 16 to be removed from the multi-tool 10. To actually remove thetool 16, an operator can urge the tool 16 away from the bottom end 33 ofthe guide housing 14 (by using a magnetic pick-up or another clampingdevice, by tipping the multi-tool 10 upside down so gravity causes thetool 16 to slide out of the opening 40, by pushing the tip of the tool16 into the multi-tool 10 and then grabbing the head of the tool 16 andpulling it out of the multi-tool, etc.).

Referring to FIG. 4, when it is desired to load a tool into themulti-tool, the skid plate 30 can be rotated until the tool-accessopening 100 is aligned with a desired one of the tool-receipt openings40. At this point, the aligned openings 100, 40 provide enough clearancefor a desired tool to be passed through the tool-access opening 100 andinto the desired tool-receipt opening 40. To actually load the tool, anoperator can advance the tool in a tip-first manner into the desiredtool-receipt opening (e.g., by advancing the tool's tip in a directionseen in FIG. 4 as going downwardly into the page).

When the multi-tool 10 is fully assembled (e.g., when the driverassembly 12 is attached to the guide housing 14), rotating the driverassembly 12 to a desired position preferably causes the skid plate 30 torotate to a corresponding position. Thus, the skid plate 30 preferablyrotates in response to the driver assembly 12 being rotated relative tothe guide housing 14 (or vice versa). For example, when the illustrateddriver assembly 12 is rotated, the striker 28 (e.g., a side surface 28Sthereof) bears forcibly against the inner edge 30I of the skid plate 30,causing the skid plate to rotate together with the driver assembly. Thisconjoint rotation of the driver assembly 12 and skid plate 30 brings thestriker 28, and the tool-access opening 100, into alignment with aselected tool. At this point, when the ram of a press strikes (orotherwise delivers pressing force to) the top of the multi-tool's driverassembly 12, the pressing force is delivered from the multi-tool'sstriker 28 directly to the activated tool 16, the tip of which thenstrikes a workpiece. (The term “tip” is used herein to refer to theworkpiece-deforming surface(s) of a punch, forming tool, die, etc.regardless of its specific configuration.) Thus, pressing force isapplied only to the activated tool(s) 16, rather than to all the tools16 in the multi-tool 10. Here again, it is to be appreciated that themulti-tool 10 can optionally be adapted to simultaneously activate morethan one of the tools 16 it carries.

In FIG. 2B, the skid plate 30 is disposed between a punch carrier 42 ofthe multi-tool 10 and a lip 102 extending inwardly from the guidehousing 14 (e.g., extending inwardly from an inner wall 14I of the guidehousing). Here, the lip 102 is defined by a spiral retaining ring,although this is by no means required. The lip 102 is far enough fromthe punch carrier 42 to allow the skid plate 30 to rotate freely in thespace between the lip and the punch carrier. However, the lip 102 isclose enough to the punch carrier 42 to prevent undue play of the skidplate 30 during pressing operations. Preferably, the skid plate 30 isadapted to rotate slidably relative to both the lip 102 and the punchcarrier 42. The punch carrier 42 shown in FIG. 2B is mounted resilientlywithin the guide housing 14, although this is not required.

FIG. 2B exemplifies embodiments wherein a punch carrier 42 and a punchguide tip 43 are provided within the guide housing 14 such that one or aplurality of stripping springs 36 are located between the punch carrierand the punch guide tip. Here, the punch carrier 42 is moveable(relative to the guide housing) toward the lower guide (which is notmoveable relative to the guide housing) against the bias of thestripping spring(s) 36, and heads 41 of all the tools 16 in themulti-tool 10 are supported by the punch carrier 42. Further, when thepunch carrier 42 is in a default position (e.g., when the strippersprings 36 are not being compressed by a stroke of the ram), theillustrated skid plate 30 has a bottom surface adjacent to, atsubstantially the same position as, or even touching the top surfaces ofthe non-activated tools' heads 41. These details, however, are notrequired.

The outer edge 104 of the illustrated skid plate 30 is adjacent to, andis adapted to rotate slidably relative to, an inner wall 14I of theguide housing 14 (this can optionally be the case for any skid plate 30of the present disclosure). In other embodiments, the skid plate isadapted to rotate about an inner shaft (or “retaining post” or “centerpost”) 20 of the multi-tool (e.g., the inner edge 30I of the skid platecan have an interior diameter that is about equal to, or slightly largerthan, an exterior diameter of an inner shaft 20 of the multi-tool, suchthat the inner edge 30I of the skid plate slides rotatably around theinner shaft 30 (in these embodiments, the outer edge 104 of the skidplate can optionally be spaced inwardly of the inner wall 14I of theguide housing).

In the embodiments of FIGS. 26-29 and 31, the skid plate 30 has a flange30F extending around the exterior perimeter of the skid plate. When thisskid plate 30F is mounted rotatably on the guide housing 14, the flange30F is received in a channel on (e.g., defined by) the inside of theguide housing 14, as is perhaps best seen in FIG. 29. The skid plate 30,however, can be mounted on the guide housing 14 in various other ways.Preferably, the skid plate 30 is mounted such that it has freedom torotate within, and relative to, the guide housing.

In some embodiments, a plurality of non-activated tools are received inrespective non-selected ones of the tool-receipt openings 40, and theskid plate 30 prevents those (optionally all of the) non-activated toolsfrom escaping (e.g., during pressing operations) the non-selectedtool-receipt openings in which they are received.

In some of the present embodiments, the tool-access opening 100 is sizedso that it can only be aligned (i.e., operably aligned) with onetool-receipt opening 40 at any given time. In embodiments of thisnature, the configuration of the tool-access opening 100 is such that itcannot simultaneously be aligned with two or more of the tool-receiptopenings 40 (at least not in such a way as would enable multiple tools16 to be simultaneously passed through the tool-access opening 100 andinto, or out of, such two or more tool-receipt openings). In otherembodiments, though, the opening 100 is configured to allow two or moreindividual tools 16 to be simultaneously loaded or unloaded through theopening 100.

Certain embodiments involve a multi-track multi-tool, which may have afirst plurality of tool-receipt openings spaced apart about an insidediameter, and a second plurality of tool-receipt openings spaced apartabout an outside diameter. In these embodiments, it is desirable if thetool-access opening can be aligned with any one of the inside or outsidetool-receipt openings. In some cases, the inside and outsidetool-receipt openings are staggered so the tool-access opening whenaligned, for example, with a selected inside tool-receipt opening is notaligned with any outside tool-receipt opening. In embodiments of thisnature, the tool-receipt opening will commonly be adapted for beingselectively aligned with only one tool-receipt opening at a time.

The skid plate can optionally comprise, or consist essentially of, ahardened material. For example, pre-hardened or through-hardened steelcan be used to increase the life and durability of the skid plate. Thus,in one exemplary embodiment, the skid plate is formed ofthrough-hardened steel.

One particular embodiment provides a skid plate 30 comprising, orconsisting essentially of, a composite material. The composite material,for example, can be a non-metallic material selected from the groupconsisting of ceramic, porcelyn, carbon fiber, or another non-metallicmaterial having a high strength-to-weight ratio. The present embodimentcan extend to any multi-tool having a skid plate of this nature, whetheror not it has a tool-access opening, tool-retention structure, etc.

In one exemplary embodiment, the skid plate 30 is formed of steel, has athickness of between about 2 mm and about 5 mm, and has a circumferenceof between about 90 mm and about 105 mm. These dimensions, however, areprovided simply as examples—they are not limiting. Rather, the skidplate 30 can have most any dimensions depending on the desiredmulti-tool size and configuration.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the multi-tool 10 is shown as having agenerally cylindrical configuration. However, this is not required forany multi-tool embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, sheetfeed, strip feed, or press brake applications may find particularbenefit in embodiments where the multi-tool 10 is other than generallycylindrical. Shapes of this nature may also be beneficial for a varietyof turret press applications, single-station press applications, etc.

In one embodiment, the multi-tool 10 has a generally cubic shape. Thehousing, for example, can be a box-like housing. In another embodiment,it has a generally triangular horizontal cross section. In still otherembodiments, the multi-tool has an irregular configuration. Moreover, avariety of configurations involving various polygonal horizontal crosssections can be used.

Further, the tool-receipt openings 40 need not be generally circular incross section. Here again, this is the case for any multi-toolembodiment of the present disclosure. The tool-receipt openings 40, forexample, can have a cross section that is square, rectangular,triangular, oval-shaped, etc. In embodiments of this nature, theindividual tools 16 preferably have corresponding non-roundconfigurations, as this would provide a keying function for the tools16.

In the embodiments exemplified by FIG. 24, the driver assembly 12 has atool-access passage 950 that allows individual tools to be loaded into,or unloaded from, the multi-tool without having to remove the driverassembly from the multi-tool's guide housing. When the tool-accesspassage 950 is aligned with both a skid plate tool-access opening 100and a desired one of the tool-receipt openings 40, the alignedtool-access opening 100 and passage 950 provide a large enoughpassageway for a desired tool 16 to be passed therethrough and loadedinto, or unloaded from, the desired tool-receipt opening. In FIG. 24,the illustrated tool-access passage 950 extends entirely between top andbottom walls of the driver assembly 12. Here, the passage 950 opensthrough the top plate 12P and through the body portion 12B of the driverassembly 12. The illustrated tool-access passage 950 has a generallycircular interior configuration, although this is by no means required.

Direct Lubrication System

In conventional multi-tools, the individual tools within the multi-toolcommonly are lubricated by simply allowing oil to flow through anopening in the top of the multi-tool and down into the interior of themulti-tool, which results in the oil flowing downwardly through spacesbetween the individual tools and interior surfaces of the multi-tool,thereby lubricating those areas where oil naturally flows.

In the present embodiments, a direct lubrication system is provided fora multi-tool. The direct lubrication system can be incorporated intomany different types of multi-tools. One exemplary embodiment is shownin FIG. 2B. The multi-tool 10 has a plurality of tool-receipt openings40 adapted to receive respective tools 16. The multi-tool 10 includes adriver assembly 12 and a guide housing 14. The guide housing 14preferably has an end (e.g., a working end, which in some cases is abottom end) from which a tip of an activated tool (optionally anactivated punch) can be extended during a pressing operation. In theembodiment of FIG. 2B, the driver assembly 12 and the guide housing 14can be rotated relative to each other such that a striker 28 of thedriver assembly can be selectively aligned with a desired one(optionally with any one) of the tool-receipt openings 40.

The multi-tool 10 can be of the fixed, indexable, or auto-indexablevarieties (as is the case with all embodiments of this disclosure). Insome embodiments, it may only be necessary (or possible) to rotate partof the driver assembly relative to the guide housing. For example, acentral or inside portion of the driver assembly 12 may be rotatablerelative to the guide housing 14, while the top lid (or only an outerperimeter portion of the top lid) may remain stationary relative to theguide housing. Moreover, other embodiments can provide for the strikerto be aligned other than through rotation (e.g., by moving the strikerradially). More generally, variations can be made in the structuraldesign of the multi-tool, such as in components not forming the directlubrication system itself.

In the present embodiments, the multi-tool has a direct lubricationsystem adapted for delivering lubricant (e.g., oil in liquid and/or mistform) directly to a selected (i.e., “activated” or “active”) tool. Inthese embodiments, lubricant is delivered directly (optionally in aselective manner) to the active tool(s). Thus, during operation, theonly direct lubricant flow to any of the individual tools in themulti-tool can optionally be to the/each activated tool. The multi-tool10 in the present embodiments preferably has a direct lubricationpassage 26 with an outlet 29 adapted to deliver lubricant directly to(optionally selectively to) a location adjacent to a selected one of thetool-receipt openings 40 (e.g., adjacent to a selected one of theindividual tools in the multi-tool). The direct lubrication passage 26,for example, can be an elongated interior line (e.g., bore) extendingthrough the driver assembly 12. In some cases, at least part of the lineextends at an oblique angle relative to a vertical axis VA of themulti-tool. Reference is made to the embodiment of FIG. 2B. In othercases, the line has one or more lengths, each being parallel orperpendicular to the vertical axis VA. Reference is made to theembodiment of FIG. 26. Preferably, at least part of the directlubrication passage 26 extends through (e.g., is defined by) the striker28. In alternate embodiments, though, the lubrication passage opensthrough an outlet in driver assembly surface 12F (such an outlet may bein surface 12F, adjacent to the striker).

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2B, during operation, lubricant isdelivered through an opening 22 in (e.g., defined by) a top plate 12P ofthe driver assembly 12, and then into a lube reservoir 24 inside (e.g.,surrounded by and/or defined by) the driver assembly 12. From there,lubricant travels through a direct lubrication passage 26 extendingthrough (e.g., surrounded by and/or defined at least in part by) thedriver assembly, eventually exiting from a lubrication outlet 29 definedby the striker 28. Thus, the internal lube reservoir 24 preferably is influid communication with the direct lubrication passage 26. When theillustrated multi-tool 10 is fully assembled and operatively mounted,for example, on an upper table of a press, the lubrication outlet 29opens downwardly, although this need not always be the case. Forexample, the outlet can alternatively open through a side surface 28S,28SS of the striker 28. In one embodiment of this nature, an outlet islocated so as to open through a side surface 28SS that faces (andpreferably is spaced apart from) an interior wall 14I of the guidehousing 14 (when the multi-tool is fully assembled).

In FIG. 2B, the striker 28 and a selected tool 16 are aligned fordelivery of a pressing force from the striker 28 to the selected tool16. Here, the striker 28 is adapted to deliver pressing force directlyto the selected tool 16 (e.g., by bearing directly against the head 41of the tool). When the striker 28 and the selected tool 16 are alignedin this manner, the direct lubrication passage 26 preferably is orientedso that it has an outlet 29 adjacent to (e.g., opening directly toward)the selected tool 16. In this position, the outlet 29 preferably iscloser to the selected tool than to any of the non-selected tools. Forexample, a vertical axis VA′ (shown in FIG. 2B) passing through theoutlet 29 preferably also passes through the selected tool 16.

In some cases, lubricant simply flows out of the direct lubricationpassage 26, onto a head of the selected tool 16, and down around thesides of that tool. In other cases, the selected tool has an internallube passage 250 that receives lubricant from the direct lubricationpassage 26 and provides further distribution of the lubricant. Thedirect lubrication passage 26 can be configured, for example, such thatit has an outlet 29 that is directly aligned with (e.g., directly above)an inlet 250M of an activated tool's internal lube passage 250. Forexample, the axis VA′ can optionally pass through the inlet 250M of sucha lube passage 250. In these and certain other embodiments, thelubricant flows from the lubrication passage 26 of the driver assemblyinto (e.g., directly into) the tool's lube passage 250. Reference ismade to FIGS. 2B, 7A, and 26 as examples. In some embodiments of thisnature (reference is made to FIG. 5), the lubricant travels along (e.g.,down) the tool's lube passage 250 and into a lube reservoir 252 and/orthrough one or more distribution channels 254, 256, 258 inside the tool.In FIG. 2B, channels 258 are shown as being horizontal. They canalternatively extend downwardly at various angles. The same is true ofchannels 256. In embodiments where the tool has an internal lube passage250, the lubricant eventually exits the tool via one or more outlets ofthe internal passage 250 and/or via one or more outlets of otherinternal channels 254, 256, 258. In embodiments like that of FIG. 5, thetool 16 can optionally have at least one external lubrication channel 76on the tool's exterior. Such lubrication channels 76, when provided, areoutwardly open channels defined by an exterior wall of the tool. Inembodiments of this nature, the lubricant works its way around thelubrication channels 76 on the tool's exterior. As the activated tool 16moves back and forth (e.g., up and down) during the pressing process,lubricant is distributed about the opening 40 in which the activatedtool is carried. A system of this nature provides direct and thoroughdelivery of lubricant to the activated tool. When the driver assembly isrotated again relative to the guide housing (to activate a differenttool), the direct (and optionally selective) lubrication process beginsfor the newly activated tool.

Thus, certain embodiments provide a multi-tool having a directlubrication passage that is adapted for flowing lubricant selectively toone or more activated tools within the multi-tool. During operation ofsuch a lubrication passage, lubricant from the passage may optionally beflowing only out of a lubrication outlet 29 that is adjacent to (e.g.,directly above) an activated tool 16. If desired, a plurality oflubrication outlets can be provided directly above a single tool, suchthat those outlets together deliver lubricant directly (optionallyselectively) to the activated tool.

In certain embodiments, the striker has a lubrication outlet 29 equippedwith an O-ring or another sealing device, e.g., such that operativelypositioning the sealing device between the striker 28 and the head 16 ofan indexed tool 16 results in the sealing device creating a continuoussealed (or substantially sealed) passage through which lubricant canflow in passing from the driver into the activated tool 16. A sealingdevice of this nature may help assure that all, or substantially all, ofthe lubricant that flows out of the lubrication outlet 29 is delivereddirectly into the lubrication inlet 250M of the activated tool.

Some direct lubrication embodiments provide a multi-tool (or just adriver assembly 12 for a multi-tool) wherein the direct lubricationsystem (e.g., a direct lubrication passage thereof) is equipped with oneor more seals each having an open configuration and a closedconfiguration. Preferably, when such a seal is in the closedconfiguration, lubricant is prevented from flowing out of the driverassembly (or at least out of a lubrication outlet 29 associated withthat seal). For example, the driver assembly (e.g., a direct lubricationpassage thereof) can have one or more lubrication outlets 29 equippedwith such seals. In these cases, when each seal is closed, lubricantpreferably is prevented (entirely or substantially) from passing throughthe outlet(s) 29. In alternate embodiments, a seal is used that does notstop lubricant from flowing through the outlet(s) 29, but restricts flowto a desired level.

One group of embodiments provides a driver assembly 12 including astriker 28 and a lubrication outlet 29 with a seal that opens inresponse to the striker contacting (and/or moving into a force-deliveryalignment with) a selected tool 16 (optionally a head 41 thereof). Inthese embodiments, the seal may have a closed configuration that is thedefault configuration for the seal, such that when the striker is not incontact with (e.g., is spaced from) the head of the selected tool 16,the seal is retained in the closed configuration. In certainembodiments, the seal can be actuated (e.g., selectively opened orclosed) by non-mechanical means, such as an electric actuator, apneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a magnetic actuator, etc.

FIGS. 25-30 exemplify embodiments involving a driver assembly 12 with alubrication outlet 29 equipped with a seal. Here, the seal is a ballseal. In FIG. 26, the ball 26S1, 26S2 is disposed in an end region 26B1,26B2 of the lubrication passage 26. The illustrated ball 26S1, 26S2 isspring biased toward a closed configuration, in which the ball seals thelubrication outlet 29. When the illustrated ball is in its closedconfiguration, part of the ball projects beyond the striker surface 28Badapted to deliver pressing force to a selected tool 16. Thus, when thestriker 28 contacts the selected tool, the ball 26S1, 26S2 is forcedfurther inside the end region 26B1, 26B2 of the lubrication passage 26,thereby opening the lubrication outlet 29 so that lubricant can flow tothe selected tool.

In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 25-30, the driver assembly 12 hastwo lubrication outlets 29. This particular driver assembly 12 is for amulti-tool 10 adapted to hold multiple tracks of tools (including aninside track and an outside track). The inside track of tools isarranged about a smaller diameter of the multi-tool than is the outsidetrack. Thus, the driver assembly 12 includes one lubrication outlet 29adapted for delivering lubricant directly to any selected one of thetools of the inside track, and another lubrication outlet 29 adapted fordelivering lubricant directly to any selected one of the tools of theoutside track. In FIG. 26, for example, the inside lubrication outlet 29(the one closest to the center post and/or central axis of themulti-tool) is aligned with a selected tool of the multi-tool's insidetrack. Thus, ball 26S1 is in an open position, while ball 26S2 is in aclosed position.

The multi-tool 10 can alternatively have a single track of tools 16.Thus, the driver assembly 12 may have a single lubrication outlet 29.Reference is made, for example, to FIGS. 2B, 7A, 7B, 13, 19, and 22. Ingeneral, the multi-tool 10 in any embodiment of this disclosure can havea single track of tool-receipt openings, or multiple tracks of theseopenings.

When the driver assembly is provided with a sealable lubrication outlet29, the seal on the outlet can take many different forms. For example,the ball in the noted embodiments can be replaced with a plug of manydifferent configurations. The plug may have a protrusion that contactsthe activated tool, causing the plug to move so as to open itslubrication outlet. Or, the plug may be selectively opened by othermeans (a camming actuator, motor, etc.) at such time as it is desired toopen its lubrication outlet 29. Moreover, the spring 26SP on a ball seal26S1, 26S2 (or other plug) can be omitted, if so desired.

In FIG. 26, the ball seat is formed by peening the wall surrounding theoutlet 29, so that an inwardly extending lip around the outlet 29 keepsthe ball from falling out. Alternatively, the ball and optional spring26SP can be provided in the form of a small housing 26H mounted in theend region of the bore 26B1, 26B2. Reference is made to FIG. 30A.

By providing a driver assembly 12 with a sealable lubrication outlet 29,the lubrication delivery system can provide metered oil flow. This alsoallows the multi-tool to employ pressurized lubrication flow (asdescribed below), and it conserves lubricant.

In certain embodiments, a multi-tool with a direct lubrication system isprovided in combination with a press machine having a built-in ramair/oil lubrication system. The air/oil lubrication system can be aconventional system adapted for delivering a pressurized stream of airand oil (e.g., oil mist) into an opening 22 in the multi-tool 10,through a direct lubrication channel 26 of the driver assembly 12, andinto an inlet 250M of an activated tool's internal lube passage 250.

In some of the present embodiments, the multi-tool has a vertical axisVA and the direct lubrication passage 26 extends along an axis AA (FIG.7B) that is offset from the vertical axis VA by an oblique angle. Incertain embodiments of this nature, the oblique angle is between about10 degrees and about 60 degrees, and perhaps more preferably betweenabout 15 degrees and about 55 degrees, such as about 20-40 degrees. Insome cases, the entire length of the direct lubrication passage 26extends at such an angle. In other cases, only a certain portion(optionally at least half of the full length) of the direct lubricationpassage 26 extends at such an angle. In one group of embodiments, thedirect lubrication passage 26 extends (e.g., only, or in combinationwith one or more angled extensions) in a series of horizontal andvertical directions. For example, FIGS. 22, 23, 26, 27, 30A, and 30Billustrate direct lubrication passages 26 wherein a first sectionextends horizontally (and/or parallel to the striker's load-deliverysurface) away from a reservoir 24 in a central area of the driverassembly 12, and a second section (or each of a plurality of secondsections) extends vertically (and/or perpendicular to the striker'sload-delivery surface) from the first section to a lubrication outlet29.

Thus, in the present embodiments, the driver assembly 12 preferablydefines a direct lubrication passage 26 having an outlet 29 adapted todeliver lubricant directly to a location adjacent to a desired one(optionally any selected one of a plurality) of the tool-receiptopenings 40. In some cases, the direct lubrication passage 26 is adaptedfor delivering lubricant selectively to (e.g., exclusively to, orsubstantially exclusively to) that location during pressing operations.Moreover, the driver assembly 12 can optionally be configured such that,when lubricant is being delivered to a location adjacent to a desiredone of the tool-receipt openings 40, the driver assembly restricts (andoptionally prevents substantially all) lubricant flow to non-selectedones of the tool-receipt openings. In the embodiment of FIG. 7B, forexample, the central opening CO (defined by the illustrated driverassembly 12) can optionally be equipped with a fastening assembly thatrestricts, or even prevents substantially all, oil flow through theopening CO. For example, the fastening assembly can comprise a fastener(e.g., bolt) 18 and/or a sealing member (e.g., washer) 201 adapted torestrict, or even prevent substantially all, oil flow through thecentral opening CO. In some embodiments, though, oil is allowed to passnot only through the direct lubrication passage 26, but also through thecentral opening CO. For example, the fastener 18 and/or sealing member201 can be configured to leave one or more passages through which oilcan flow. In embodiments of this nature, oil can simultaneously bedelivered directly to the activated tool (through the direct lubricationpassage) and indirectly to non-activated tools in the multi-tool 16.

FIG. 2D exemplifies embodiments wherein the driver assembly 12 has a topplate 12P and a body portion 12B. Here, the top plate 12P has agenerally disk-shaped configuration, the body portion 12B has agenerally cylindrical configuration, and the top plate has a largerdiameter than the body portion. Another embodiment of this nature isshown in FIG. 25. The driver assembly 12 in any embodiment of thisdisclosure can optionally have such a configuration. These details,however, are strictly optional. For example, sheet feed, strip feed, orpress brake applications may find particular benefit in embodimentswhere other configurations are used. Other configurations may also bebeneficial for a variety of turret press applications, single-stationpress applications, etc. For example, the top plate 12P need not bedisk-shaped. Instead, it can be square, rectangular, oblong, etc.Similarly, the body portion 12B need not be cylindrical. Instead, it canbe generally cube shaped, etc.

In the present embodiments (which may provide a multi-tool, or a driverassembly 12 for a multi-tool), the body portion 12B of the driverassembly 12 can optionally have an exterior side with a series ofgrooves. The grooves can be of any type illustrated in this disclosureand/or described below in the “Rotation Groove Technology” section.

The body portion 12B of the illustrated driver assembly 12 has (e.g.,defines) a bottom face 12F from which the striker 28 projects. Theillustrated bottom face 12F is planar, although this is not required.FIG. 2D is representative of embodiments wherein the direct lubricationpassage 26 extends through the body portion 12B of the driver assembly12 and through the striker 28 before opening through a bottom surface28B of the striker.

The striker's bottom surface 28B (or “load-delivery surface”) preferablyis adapted to deliver pressing force to an activated tool 16 (e.g., to ahead 41 thereof). In certain embodiments, the striker 28 is configuredsuch that its load-delivery surface 28B can contact any desired one of aplurality of tools 16 (optionally any one of the tools) in themulti-tool 10 without contacting any other tool 16 in the multi-tool.Different striker configurations of this nature are shown, for example,in FIGS. 2D, 24, and 25.

In one group of embodiments, the body portion 12B of the driver assembly12 bounds a central opening CO into which a retaining post (or “centerpost”) 20 can be extended as part of an assembly for fastening thedriver assembly to the guide housing 14. In FIG. 2D, the striker 28 islocated on one side of the central opening CO, and a shoulder 27(optionally projecting from the bottom face 12F of the body portion 12B)is located on another side of the central opening. Here, the shoulder 27is diametrically aligned with an outlet 29 of the direct lubricationpassage 26. That is, an axis passing through the outlet 29 and across afull diameter of the central opening CO also passes through the shoulder27. In FIG. 25, the shoulder 27 completely surrounds the central openingCO. Other variants will be apparent given the present disclosure as aguide.

As noted above, the striker 28 in the present embodiments preferably has(e.g., defines) a lubrication outlet 29. The bottom surface 28B of thestriker 28 may be flush with the bottom surface 27B of the shoulder 27(both surfaces 27B, 28B may be planar). Alternatively, the striker'sbottom surface 28B may be further from surface 12F than is theshoulder's bottom surface 27B, as shown in FIG. 25.

With reference to FIG. 2D, it can be appreciated that the illustratedstriker 28 has a side surface 28SS facing away from the central openingCO. Likewise, the illustrated shoulder 27 has a side surface 27SS facingaway from the central opening CO. Here, side surface 28SS has a firstradius, side surface 27SS has a second radius, and the first radius isgreater than the second radius. Further, the illustrated striker 28 hasan inner side surface 28I adjacent to the central opening CO. Likewise,the illustrated shoulder 27 has an inner side surface 27I adjacent tothe central opening CO. In the embodiment of FIG. 2D, these two innersurfaces 27I, 28I are confronting surfaces having the same radius (whichis the radius of the central opening CO). These features, however, areoptional and need not be provided in other embodiments.

Here again, the tool-receipt openings 40 need not be generally circularin cross section. This is the case for any multi-tool embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The tool-receipt openings 40, for example, can havea cross section that is square, rectangular, triangular, oval-shaped,etc. In embodiments of this nature, the individual tools 16 preferablyhave corresponding non-round configurations, as this would provide akeying function for the tools.

Tool-Retention Skid Plate

Certain embodiments of the invention provide a multi-tool 10 having askid plate 30 with a tool-retention structure 130. In these embodiments,the tool-retention structure 130 can be incorporated into many differenttypes of multi-tools. Preferably, the multi-tool 10 will be adapted tocarry a plurality of tools (optionally punches) 16. For example, themulti-tool 10 preferably has a plurality of tool-receipt openings 40adapted to receive respective tools 16. In some cases, the tools 16 willbe punches, and the tool-receipt openings 40 will be punch-receiptopenings. Generally, though, the individual tools in the multi-tool canbe dies, forming tools, punches, some dies and some punches, somepunches and some forming tools, etc.

FIG. 8 shows a side cutaway view of a guide housing 14 having a skidplate 30 with an exemplary tool-retention structure 130. Here, the guidehousing 14 has a working end (optionally, a bottom end) 33 from which atip (which can be any workpiece-deforming surface or surfaces) of anactivated tool can be extended during pressing operations. Preferably, adriver assembly 12 can be removably attached to the guide housing 14.When the driver assembly is removed from the illustrated guide housing,an interior cavity 15 bounded by the guide housing 14 is exposed. Thetool-retention skid plate 30 is located between this cavity 15 and thetool-receipt openings 40. In other embodiments, there may be no cavity15 of this nature. The skid plate 30 has a tool-retention structure 130adapted for securing a non-activated tool (optionally a plurality ofnon-activated tools, perhaps all the non-activated tools) in arestrained position such that the (or each) non-activated tool isprevented during pressing operations from coming into contact with theworkpiece.

The tool-retention structure 130 can optionally be adapted to hold anon-activated tool so as to prevent all or substantially all verticalmovement of the non-activated tool relative to the skid plate (even whenpressing operations are being conducted with an activated tool in thesame multi-tool). Reference is made to FIG. 8. In other cases, when thetool-retention structure 130 is engaged with a non-activated tool, thattool is prevented from moving (e.g., downwardly) into contact with theworkpiece, but has some freedom to move vertically within the confinesof the skid plate's tool-retention structure 130. Reference is made toFIG. 29. In illustrated embodiments, the tool-retention structure 130 isadapted to retain the head of the (or each) non-activated tool adjacentto the skid plate 30 (e.g., adjacent to a bottom surface 34 of the skidplate). This, however, is not strictly required.

In some cases, the skid plate 30 in the present embodiments is adaptedto prevent all non-activated tools 16 in the multi-tool 10 from cominginto contact with the workpiece during pressing operations. By keepingnon-activated tools off the workpiece, the present multi-tool allowsmanufacturers to produce higher quality products. For example, thenon-activated tools are prevented from scratching or otherwise marringthe workpiece.

Thus, some embodiments provide a multi-tool having a skid plate 30adapted to retain all but a selected subset (in many cases, all but one)of a plurality of tools 16 carried by the multi-tool, e.g., such thatthe tips of the non-selected tools are all prevented from contacting theworkpiece during pressing operations. In embodiments of this nature, thetips of the non-selected tools may fall due to gravity and strike theworkpiece during pressing operations but for the skid plate'stool-retention structure.

In some of the present embodiments, the tool-retention structure 130 ofthe skid plate 30 has a contact surface 139 (optionally a rigid surface)that is adapted to engage a non-activated tool (optionally a head 41thereof) so as to prevent that tool from moving (e.g., downwardly) intocontact with the workpiece during pressing operations. The contactsurface 139, for example, can be defined by a projection of (e.g., adownward projection of) the skid plate 30. When the skid plate isoperatively assembly on the multi-tool, this projection can extendtoward a working end 33 (optionally a bottom end) of the guide housing14 from a surface 34 (optionally a bottom surface) of the skid plate 30.In the embodiments of FIGS. 8, 10, 15-17, and 24, the contact surface139 is defined by a shoulder that projects (e.g., downwardly) from asurface 34 of the skid plate 30 and is adapted to engage the head of anon-activated tool. This shoulder can optionally be an integralextension of the skid plate. In the embodiments of FIGS. 11, 12, 18,26-29, and 31, the contact surface 139 is defined by a rib that extends(e.g., downwardly) from a surface 34 of the skid plate 30. Here, thetool-retention structure 130 comprises a rib with a lip 138 (which insome embodiments extends toward a non-activated tool) defining thetool-contact surface 139 (which can optionally be an upwardly-facingsurface). This tool-contact surface 139 is adapted to engage a surface168 (optionally a downwardly-facing surface) of the head 41 of anon-activated tool.

In some of the present embodiments, the tool-retention skid plate can beoperably mounted (e.g., rotatably) within the guide housing 14 in twodifferent orientations. Preferably, a first of these orientationsinvolves (e.g., is characterized by) the tool-retention structure 130extending (optionally downwardly) toward a working end 33 (which may bea bottom end) of the guide housing 14. Two exemplary skid plates 30 areshown in this orientation in FIGS. 8, 10, and 11. When in thisorientation, the tool-retention structure 130 is positioned to prevent anon-activated tool from coming into contact with a workpiece duringpressing operations. In some embodiments of this nature, thetool-retention structure engages the head of a non-activated tool tosecure that tool in a restrained position. Preferably, the secondorientation of the skid plate 30 involves the tool-retention structure130 extending (optionally upwardly) away from the working end 33 of theguide housing 14. Reference is made to FIGS. 9 and 12. When such a skidplate 30 is in its second orientation, the tool-retention structure 130does not prevent non-activated tools from contacting the workpiece. Insome embodiments of this nature, the tool-retention structure 130 doesnot engage (e.g., contact) any non-activated tool when the skid plate isin its second orientation. Embodiments of this nature give manufacturersthe ability to use such a skid plate in two different orientations—oneorientation that provides an anti-marking functionality, anotherorientation that does not.

The tool-retention structure 130 in the present embodiments canoptionally include a plurality of structures adapted for preventing aplurality of non-activated tools (in respective tool-receipt openings ofthe multi-tool) from coming into contact with (e.g., moving downwardlyonto) a workpiece during pressing operations. Reference is made to FIGS.26-29 and 31. In embodiments of this nature, all such structures on theskid plate 30 can be of the same type (they can each comprise ashoulder, they can each comprise a rib, etc.). Alternatively, differenttypes of structures can be provided on a single skid plate.

FIGS. 26-29 and 31 exemplify embodiments wherein the tool-retentionstructure 130 is adapted to engage non-activated tools from multipletracks of tools in the multi-tool. In FIGS. 26 and 27, for example, thedriver assembly's striker 28 is aligned with an activated tool 16 of aninside track of tools in the multi-tool. Here, the skid plate 30 isholding all the non-activated tools 16 —some from the inside track,others from the outside track—such that none of the non-activated tools16 in the multi-tool are permitted to move (e.g., downwardly) intocontact with the workpiece.

Referring to FIG. 31, it can be seen that the tool-retention structure130 comprises two projections of the skid plate 30. One of theprojections is adjacent to the inside surface 30I of the skid plate 30,and the other projection is adjacent to the outside surface 104 of theskid plate. The inside projection is adapted to retain all thenon-activated tools from the multi-tool's inside track of tools, and theoutside projection is adapted to retain all the non-activated tools fromthe multi-tool's outside track of tools. Since this particular skidplate is adapted for use with a multi-track multi-tool, the illustratedtool-access opening 100 can be aligned selectively with any desired toolfrom the inside track or with any desired tool from the outside track.The opening 100 in FIG. 31 includes both a generally-circular insideportion 100A (adapted for alignment with any tool from the inside track)and a generally-circular outside portion 100B (adapted for alignmentwith any tool from the outside track).

Thus, the tool-retention structure 130 (optionally a rigid surface 139thereof) may directly contact a plurality (optionally all) of thenon-activated tools 16 in the multi-tool 10. The tool-retentionstructure 130 (e.g., a surface 139, rib, and/or shoulder thereof) canoptionally have a generally annular shape. Preferably, thetool-retention structure 130 is adapted to directly contact the head(the end opposite the workpiece-deforming surface) of each non-activatedtool 16. The illustrated skid plate 30 has a generally disc-shapedconfiguration, although other configurations can be used. Preferably theskid plate 30 defines a central opening through which extends an axis ofrotation for the skid plate. Optionally, when the (or each)non-activated tool 16 is engaged/retained by the skid plate'stool-retention structure 130, the tip 52 of the/each non-activated toolis maintained within the multi-tool (e.g., so as not to projectoutwardly beyond a stripper plate in which the tip is disposed).Reference is made to FIGS. 28 and 29. Finally, in some embodiments, thetool-retention structure 130 is adapted to simultaneously engage (e.g.directly contact) every individual tool 16 in the multi-tool 10 exceptfor the activated tool(s).

In the illustrated embodiments, the multi-tool 10 can optionally have agenerally-cylindrical configuration. However, this is not required forany multi-tool embodiment of the present disclosure. Sheet feed, stripfeed, or press brake applications, to name just a few, may findparticular benefit in embodiments where the multi-tool 10 is other thangenerally cylindrical. Shapes of this nature may also be beneficial fora variety of turret press applications, single-station pressapplications, etc.

In one embodiment, the multi-tool 10 has a generally cubic shape. Inanother embodiment, it has a generally triangular horizontal crosssection. In still other embodiments, the multi-tool has an irregularconfiguration. Moreover, a variety of configurations involving variouspolygonal horizontal cross sections can be used.

Further, the tool-receipt openings 40 need not be generally circular incross section. This is the case for any multi-tool embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The tool-receipt openings 40, for example, can havea cross section that is square, rectangular, triangular, oval-shaped,etc. In embodiments of this nature, the individual tools 16 preferablyhave corresponding non-round configurations, as this can provide akeying function for the tools 16.

Unguided, Self-Stripping Embodiments

Many conventional multi-tools have a stripping spring/guide assemblythat can simultaneously move all the individual tools in the multi-toolupwardly during an upstroke of the punch press. In multi-tools of thisnature, the individual tools commonly are held by a guide assembly thatincludes a punch carrier and a punch guide tip (or “lower guide”). Thepunch carrier surrounds upper portions of the individual tool-receiptopenings (and tools) in the multi-tool, while the punch guide tipsurrounds lower portions of the individual tool-receipt openings (andtools). Thus, each tool-receipt opening has an upper portion bounded bythe punch carrier and a lower portion bounded by the punch guide tip.Typically, the punch carrier has an upwardly-facing shoulder near thetop of each tool-receipt opening, and each such shoulder is adapted toengage a downwardly-facing surface defined by the head of an individualtool. Thus, when an activated tool is moved downwardly during a pressingoperation, the head of the activated tool bears forcefully against anupwardly-facing shoulder of the punch carrier, causing the punch carrierto move downwardly toward the punch guide tip (in the process,overcoming the bias of stripping springs mounted between the punchcarrier and the punch guide tip). After pressing force has beendelivered to the activated tool (i.e., during a subsequent up-stroke),the stripping springs between the punch carrier and the punch guide tipurge the punch carrier upwardly away from the punch guide tip. Thiscauses the upwardly-facing shoulder of the punch carrier to bearforcefully against the head of the activated tool, thus lifting theactivated tool back to a default position (i.e., the position in whichthe activated tool resides when resting between pressing operations).Thus, the upward movement of the activated tool (which movement involvesthe activated tool being separated, or “stripped,” from the workpiece)is caused by the resiliently-biased punch carrier. Commonly, theresiliently-biased punch carrier supports not only the activated tool,but also the non-activated tools.

The present embodiments provide a multi-tool that is adapted to provideunguided, self-stripping tool utilization. These embodiments areadvantageous, for example, in terms of their manufacturability. Here,each tool-receipt opening 40 preferably does not have (i.e., preferablyis devoid of) any upwardly-facing shoulder adapted to engage andupwardly lift a downwardly-facing surface of a tool. FIGS. 7A and 7Bdepict exemplary embodiments of this nature. These embodiments provideself-stripping tools 16 in respective tool-receipt openings 40 of themulti-tool. Preferably, each individual tool 16 (or at least one tool,or a plurality of the tools) in the multi-tool 10 has its own strippingspring 99. Exemplary tools of this nature are described below in moredetail.

One embodiment provides an unguided, self-stripping multi-tool assemblywhere the multi-tool is provided in combination with (e.g., is loadedwith) at least one adjustable length, self-stripping tool. Each suchtool can optionally have a locking ring RR of the nature described belowin addition to having its own stripping spring 99. In the presentembodiments, all the tools in the multi-tool can optionally be tools ofthis nature.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the guide housing 14 is notequipped with a resiliently-biased punch carrier. Rather, the multi-toolhas a punch guide tip (or “lower guide”) 43 that bounds the uppermostportion of each tool-receipt opening 40. In these embodiments, the punchguide tip 43 can either be attached rigidly to the guide housing 14 (asshown in FIGS. 7A and 7B) or the punch guide tip can be integral to theguide housing. In FIGS. 7A and 7B, the punch guide tip 43 is a separatebody mounted within a bottom portion of the guide housing 14.Preferably, the punch guide tip 43 (whether it is separate from, or partof, the guide housing) has a top surface 43T and a bottom surface 43B.In the illustrated embodiments, the height of the punch guide tip 43 issmaller than the height of the guide housing 14. In the presentembodiments, the height of the punch guide tip 43 preferably is lessthan 70 percent, less than 65 percent, or even less than 60 percent ofthe height of the guide housing 14. In FIGS. 7A and 7B, the height ofthe punch guide tip is less than 50% of the height of the guide housing.

In some of the present embodiments, the multi-tool includes a driverassembly 12 and a guide housing 14, and the driver assembly can beremovably attached to the guide housing. When the driver assembly isremoved from the illustrated guide housing 14, an internal cavity 15bounded by the guide housing is exposed. In the embodiment of FIGS. 7Aand 7B, the interior cavity 15 is bounded by the top surface 43T of thepunch guide tip 43 and an interior wall 14I of the guide housing 14.Preferably, the interior cavity 15 spans at least 30 percent, at least35 percent, or even at least 40 percent of the height of the guidehousing 14. In FIGS. 7A and 7B, the cavity 15 spans a major portion(i.e., 50% or more) of the guide housing's height (as measured with thedriver assembly 12 removed from the guide housing 14). In the presentembodiments, the multi-tool 10 preferably is provided in combinationwith a plurality of self-stripping tool assemblies (or “self-strippingtools”, such as self-stripping punches). In some embodiments of thisnature, the multi-tool 10 carries a plurality of self-stripping toolassemblies such that one self-stripping tool assembly is mounted in eachtool-receipt opening 40. Here, each tool assembly 16 has an upperportion UP and a lower portion LP. The lower portion LP defines a tip 52of the tool 16, and the upper portion UP defines a head 41 of the tool.In embodiments like that of FIG. 7A, each tool 16 (when mountedoperatively in the multi-tool) has its lower portion LP (see FIG. 3A)disposed in a tool-receipt opening 40 while its upper portion UP (seeFIG. 3A) is disposed (e.g., entirely) within the cavity 15. When suchtools 16 are mounted in respective tool-receipt openings 40, the upperportions UP of the tools 16 project upwardly beyond the top surface 43Tof the punch guide tip 43. Thus, at least part of the stripping springon each tool is disposed within the cavity 15 (e.g., at all times, evenduring pressing operations) and/or above the top 43T of the punch guidetip 43. Preferably, a major length of (e.g., substantially all of, orall of) the stripping spring on each tool is disposed within the cavity15.

Between the upper UP and lower LP portions of each tool 16, there canoptionally be provided a first detent 199. This detent 199 on the tool16 preferably is adapted to be secured to a second detent 299, whichdesirably is on the punch guide tip 43 or the guide housing 14. Thefirst detent 199 can be secured to the second detent 299 in such a waythat the tool is prevented from moving (e.g., bouncing) upwardly in itsentirety during an up-stroke of the press on which the multi-tool isused. Preferably, the two detents 199, 299 remain in substantially fixedlocations with respect to each other during pressing operations. InFIGS. 7A and 7B, the second detent 299 is defined by the punch guide tip43, although the guide housing 14 can alternatively define the seconddetent.

In FIGS. 7A and 7B, the first and second detents respectively comprisean O-ring 46 and an O-ring groove 146. Here, the O-ring 46 is on thetool 16 and the O-ring groove 146 is on the punch guide tip 43. In othercases, the O-ring groove is defined by the guide housing. The O-ring 46on the illustrated tool 16 is located between the stripping spring 99and the tip 52 of the tool. In more detail, the O-ring 46 here iscarried by a body 44 that defines both the channel in which the O-ring46 is mounted and a seat for the stripping spring 99. These features,however, are strictly optional. For example, in other embodiments, aretainer ring or the like is used as one of the detents.

Referring now to FIGS. 2B and 5, the illustrated tool 16 has a head anda body that can be adjusted (e.g., rotated relative to one another) togive the tool different overall lengths. A multi-tool in accordance withany embodiment of the present disclosure can optionally be provided withone or a plurality of adjustable length tools (in some cases, all theindividual tools in a multi-tool are adjustable length tools). Usefuladjustable length tools are detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,303,entitled “Punch Assembly,” the entire teachings of which areincorporated herein by reference. In FIGS. 2B and 5, the lengthadjustment mechanism includes a locking ring RR. This particular ring RRis adapted (e.g., when the tool 16 is fully assembled and in itsoperative position) to lock the tool's head and body against relativerotation (optionally, by virtue of a tip or other projection from thelocking ring RR, or a locking ball RB that is resiliently biased by thelocking ring RR). FIGS. 30A and 30B show examples of how an individualtool 16 adapted for use in a multi-tool 10 can be provided with alength-adjustment mechanism comprising a locking ring RR and a lockingball RB. A locking ring RR can optionally be provided with a largerexterior diameter than the body of the tool 16, and a correspondinggroove or other female detent can be provided on an interior wall of themulti-tool to receive such a large-diameter ring. Thus, the ring can bea first detent, and the groove can be a second detent. In unguided,self-stripping embodiments, for example, a ring can optionally beadapted to be received by (e.g., can be adapted to snap into) a femaledetent defined by the punch guide tip 43, defined by the guide housing14, defined by a body (e.g., a sleeve) nested within the guide housing,or defined by a body nested within the punch guide tip. Given thepresent teaching as a guide, it will be apparent that many otherstructures can be used to provide suitable interlocking detents.

In embodiments involving detents of the nature described, the detentspreferably provide an anti-bounce system for the multi-tool 10. That is,the engagement of detents 199 on the tools 16 to corresponding detents299 on the punch guide tip 43 (or on the guide housing) preferablyprevents non-activated ones of the tools 16 from bouncing duringpressing operations. Thus, during a pressing operation, thenon-activated tools in the multi-tool preferably do not bouncesubstantially.

In the present unguided, self-stripping embodiments, another option foran anti-bounce system is to provide the multi-tool with a skid plate 30.

When provided, the anti-bounce system preferably prevents non-activatedtools 16 from coming out of their respective tool-receipt openings 40during pressing operations.

Any of the anti-bounce system embodiments described herein can beprovided on either an unguided, self-stripping multi-tool (such as thoseshown in FIGS. 7A and 7B) or a guided multi-tool (such as those shown,for example, in FIGS. 2B and 5).

The guide housing 14 and punch guide tip 43 can be formed of steel,although many other materials can be used for one or both of thesecomponents. In some embodiments, at least part of at least one of thesecomponents 14, 43 is formed of a hardenable or hardened material, suchas through-hardened steel or pre-hardened steel. This may extend thelife and durability of the component(s) in question. For example, it canbe advantageous to use hardened steel for all high-wear areas/componentsof the guide housing 14 and punch guide tip 43, optionally usingpre-hardened steel for all other areas of these components 14, 43.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the multi-tool 10 can optionallyhave a generally-cylindrical configuration. However, this is notrequired for any multi-tool embodiment of the present disclosure. Forinstance, sheet feed, strip feed, or press brake applications may findparticular benefit in embodiments where the multi-tool 10 is other thangenerally cylindrical. Shapes of this nature may also be beneficial fora variety of turret press applications, single-station pressapplications, etc.

In one embodiment, the multi-tool 10 has a generally cubic shape. Inanother embodiment, it has a generally triangular horizontal crosssection. In still other embodiments, the multi-tool has an irregularconfiguration. Moreover, a variety of configurations involving variouspolygonal horizontal cross sections can be used. In one embodiment, theguide housing 14 has an exterior configuration with a horizontal crosssection that is generally square, rectangular, or otherwise polygonal,while the driver assembly 12 (or at least a body portion 12 thereof) hasa generally cylindrical exterior configuration. In this embodiment, theguide housing preferably has an interior wall (bounding the interiorcavity 15) with a generally cylindrical interior configuration.

Further, the tool-receipt openings 40 need not be generally circular incross section. This is the case for any multi-tool embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The tool-receipt openings 40, for example, can havea cross section that is square, rectangular, triangular, oval-shaped,etc. In embodiments of this nature, the individual tools 16 preferablyhave corresponding non-round configurations, as this can provide akeying function for the tools 16.

Form-Up Multi-Tool Technology

Certain embodiments provide a multi-tool 10 having at least one formingtool FT. In the present embodiments, the multi-tool can optionally havea combination of punching and forming tools. Alternatively, themulti-tool can have only forming tools. Further, the multi-tool in thepresent embodiments can include one or more form-up threading tools.Still further, the present multi-tool can optionally include one or moreforming tools and one or more dies. Other combinations can be used aswell.

In the present embodiments, the form-up multi-tool 10 is mounted on alower table below a workpiece location (i.e., a location where aworkpiece is disposed during a pressing operation). One or more of theindividual tools carried by the multi-tool 10 are adapted to createforms in a workpiece during pressing operations. Such forming tools FTare not used to simply punch holes in the workpiece. Rather, they areused to create various forms, such as dimples, louvers, countersinks,pierce-and-form, lance-and-form, electrical knockouts, etc. In somecases, all the individual tools on the present multi-tool are adapted todo forming (i.e., all are forming tools). FIG. 39C depicts one exemplaryforming tool FT that can be used on the present form-up multi-tool. Manydifferent tip 52 configurations can be used.

FIG. 13 exemplifies a group of embodiments wherein a form-up multi-tool10 is mounted on the lower table LT of a punch press. Here, themulti-tool 10 has a plurality of forming tools FT disposed in respectivetool-receipt openings 40 defined by a head HD of the multi-tool.Reference is also made to FIG. 39D. The multi-tool 10 can be adjusted sothat a desired one of the forming tools FT is activated. When thedesired tool is activated, it is rigidly secured in an upright position.In contrast, the non-activated tools have a limited range of freedom tomove vertically relative to the activated tool. When a workpiece WPabove the multi-tool 10 is pressed downwardly (by a die-portionmulti-tool DP on the upper table UT of the punch press) onto the head HDof the multi-tool, the head is forced by the workpiece to movedownwardly (e.g., relative to a stationary base portion BH of theform-up multi-tool). In some of the present embodiments, the head HD andthe non-activated forming tools are adapted to simultaneously movedownwardly when forced downwardly by the workpiece WP during a pressingoperation. As the head HD and non-activated forming tools movedownwardly, the activated forming tool preferably is held rigidly in afixed position, such that the workpiece WP is deformed by being pressedforcefully against the tip of the activated tool.

In some of the present embodiments, the form-up multi-tool has arotatable adjustment mechanism PN that can be oriented so as toselectively place an activated one of the forming tools FT in anactivated configuration. Preferably, this activated configurationinvolves the activated tool being rigidly secured in an uprightposition, e.g., such that the head HD and non-activated ones of theforming tools FT have a limited range of freedom to move verticallyrelative to the activated forming tool.

The rotatable adjustment mechanism PN can be provided in various forms.In one group of embodiments, the adjustment mechanism PN comprises arotatable plate 705 defining a series of openings 707 adapted for beingaligned respectively with non-activated ones of the forming tools FT. Inthese embodiments, the rotatable plate 705 preferably has a rigidsupport surface 750 adapted for being engaged by a bottom end 131 of theactivated tool.

Preferably, when the head HD and non-activated tools FT move verticallywithin their limited range, this vertical movement is relative to therotatable plate 705 of the adjustment mechanism PN. This verticalmovement preferably involves the non-activated forming tools passingdownwardly through respective ones of the openings 707 defined by therotatable plate 705. During this vertical movement, the activated toolis prevented from moving downwardly by the rigid support surface 750 ofthe rotatable plate 705. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotatableplate 705 does not move vertically during forming operations. However,this is not strictly required in all embodiments.

The adjustment mechanism PN preferably has a first configuration inwhich its rotatable plate 705 can be rotated relative to the head HD andforming tools FT of the multi-tool. The first configuration of oneexemplary form-up multi-tool 10 is shown in FIG. 13. Here, theillustrated adjustment mechanism PN can be rotated relative to the headHD and the individual forming tools FT. A slide ring AP of theadjustment mechanism PN also rotates relative to the head HD and theindividual forming tools FT. In more detail, the rotatable plate 705 isjoined rigidly (and may be integral) to an actuator portion APN of theadjustment mechanism PN. Thus, to move a desired one of the tools on theform-up multi-tool to an activated configuration, the actuator portionAPN of the adjustment mechanism PN is rotated until it is aligned withthe particular tool to be activated. In the process, the plate 705rotates to the orientation in which its rigid support position 750 isdirectly under the activated tool. Thus, when the workpiece is presseddownwardly onto the form-up multi-tool, the activated tool is heldrigidly in a upright position as the head HD and non-activated toolsmove downwardly into respective openings 707 in the base portion BH ofthe multi-tool. In the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 39A-39D, the head HDhas openings HO configured to provide clearance for the actuator portionAPN when the head and non-activated tools move downwardly. Thesedetails, however, are merely exemplary.

The rotatable plate 705 of the adjustment mechanism PN preferablydefines at least one opening 707 less than the total number of formingtools FT carried by the multi-tool. Thus, there is a first number offorming tools on the multi-tool, there is a second number of openings onthe rotatable plate of the adjustment mechanism, and the second numberpreferably is at least one less than the first number.

In FIG. 13, the optional shank SH can be attached rigidly, threadingly,etc. to the base portion BH of the form-up multi-tool. The illustratedmulti-tool is adapted for use with a plurality of individual tools eachhaving a mounting groove FTG configured to be securely engaged by alocking edge FTE of the rotatable slider ring AP and a stationary plate383 of the head HD. The illustrated mounting groove FTG extends entirelyabout a perimeter of the tool, although this is not strictly required.Referring to FIG. 39A, the rotatable plate 705 is adapted to rotaterelative to the exterior wall BHW of the base portion BP. Theillustrated post 714 extends from (and can optionally be integral to)the stationary plate 383 of the head HD. The post 714 is received in thecenter recess 712 of the multi-tool's base portion BH. Here, the post714 (or at least a portion thereof) has a flat side that (when the post714 is received in the center recess 712) engages the flat wall section700F bounding the center recess 712. This engagement of the flat side onthe post 714 and the flat wall section 700F bounding the center recess712 prevents rotation of the head's stationary plate 383 (and of theindividual tools and the top wall HDT of the head) relative to the baseportion's exterior wall BHW. Here again, these details are found in theillustrated embodiment, but they are not required.

Multi-Tool Surface Enhancement Technology

Certain embodiments provide a multi-tool 10 having one or more surfaceenhancements, such as coatings, to improve the performance and/ordurability of the multi-tool. In the present embodiments, the surfaceenhancement can be incorporated into many different types ofmulti-tools. Preferably, the multi-tool 10 in these embodiments isadapted to carry a plurality of tools (e.g., punches) 16. For example,the multi-tool 10 preferably has a plurality of tool-receipt openings 40adapted to receive respective tools 16. In some cases, the tools 16 willbe punches, and the tool-receipt openings 40 will be punch-receiptopenings.

In one group of embodiments, the invention provides a multi-tool whereinat least one component, or at least one area of a component, is providedwith a surface hardening enhancement (such as a surface hardeningcoating) and/or a surface lubricity enhancement (such as a dry lubricantcoating). Here, the coating or other enhancement is adapted to increasethe surface hardness and/or lubricity of the coated component, tothereby protect it against wear, corrosion, friction, sticking, and/orgalling.

In one embodiment, the enhancement (which can optionally be, or include,a coating) comprises a nitride and/or a carbide. Particularly usefulnitriding and nitrocarburizing enhancements are described in U.S. Pat.No. 6,327,884, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein byreference. One commercially available nitride enhancement is the Nitrex®coating, which is a high endurance surface coating available fromNitrex, Inc. (Aurora, Ill., USA). The Nitrex® coating can be used toimpart lubricity characteristics in a metal surface to significantlylower the friction coefficients of the surface.

In some embodiments, the multi-tool is provided with a surfaceenhancement comprising nickel (e.g., nickel alloy) and/or a low frictionpolymer. Useful coatings of this nature are available, for example, fromGeneral Magnaplate Corporation (Linden, N.J., USA) and PoetonIndustries, Ltd. (Gloucester, England). As one example, the desiredmulti-tool component (i.e., all or a portion thereof) can be coated witha NEDOX® coating. NEDOX® coatings can be provided to increase the lifeof the component and/or to provide a nonbonding surface that reducesbuildup of materials. NEDOX® coatings can also be provided to create asmooth and slippery surface, which can help reduce friction.

Thus, various coatings and/or surface enhancements can be provided onone or more components/areas of a multi-tool. One exemplary embodimentinvolves a coating or other surface enhancement on at least part of thedriver 12. For example, at least one surface (e.g., the bottom surface28B) of the driver's striker 28 can optionally have a surfaceenhancement. Additionally or alternatively, the bottom surface 27B ofthe driver's shoulder 27 can optionally have a surface enhancement.Further, in some embodiments, the top surface of the driver's top plate12P has a surface enhancement.

The multi-tool 10 can optionally include a stripper plate (or plates) 34having at least one surface with an enhancement. Additionally oralternatively, the multi-tool 10 can have a punch guide tip 43 with asurface enhancement on at least one of its surfaces (optionally on asurface bounding a tool-receipt opening 40). In one embodiment, thepunch guide tip 43 has a plurality of surfaces bounding respectivetool-receipt openings 40, and each of these surfaces has a surfaceenhancement. In embodiments where the multi-tool has a punch carrier 42,the same enhancement arrangement can optionally be provided on the punchcarrier. Further, if desired, the outer surface of the guide housing 14can be provided with a surface enhancement.

One embodiment provides a multi-tool having at least one push-button 850with a surface enhancement. Reference is made to FIGS. 8 and 9. Here,the multi-tool has a push-button assembly that includes a push-button850 and a ball 800. The ball here can optionally be replaced with othersuitable wedge or catch members. The push-button assembly is adapted forremovably securing a driver assembly 12 to the illustrated center post20. In this embodiment, at least one surface, such as a side surface(s)850S, (or, optionally, the whole surface area) of the push-button 850can be provided with a surface enhancement of any type described above.The illustrated push-button 850 has a side surface 850S that defines arecess 850R. Here, the side surface 850S can advantageously be providedwith a surface enhancement on the (or each) side surface 850S area thatdefines the recess 850R.

Multi-Tool Sleeving Technology

Certain embodiments provide a multi-tool 10 having one or more sleevesto improve the performance, durability, weight characteristics, and/ormanufacturability of the multi-tool. In the present embodiments, thesleeve(s) can be incorporated into many different types of multi-tools.Preferably, the multi-tool 10 in these embodiments is adapted to carry aplurality of tools 16. For example, the multi-tool 10 preferably has aplurality of tool-receipt openings 40 adapted to receive respectivetools 16. In some cases, the tools 16 will be punches, and thetool-receipt openings 40 will be punch-receipt openings.

In some of the present embodiments, the multi-tool includes an externalsleeve. The guide housing 14, for example, can comprise an externalsleeve 14E, as shown in FIGS. 32-34. The external sleeve can optionallycomprise (e.g., can optionally consist essentially of) ceramic,porcelyn, carbon fiber, or another non-metallic material having a highstrength-to-weight ratio. In some embodiments of this nature, themulti-tool includes an external sleeve comprising such a material, thesleeve forms an outer wall of the guide housing, and an interior metalcomponent (such as a punch guide tip, a punch carrier, an interior metalsleeve, and/or another internal metal component) is nested inside theexternal sleeve. When provided, the external sleeve can optionally beprovided with a coating and/or any other surface enhancement describedabove.

Some of the present embodiments provide one or more internal sleeves.The internal sleeve(s) can optionally comprise a hardened or hardenablesteel material, such as a through-hardened steel or a pre-hardenedsteel. In one embodiment, the multi-tool includes at least one internalsleeve comprising a laser-hardened material. Additionally oralternatively, the internal sleeve(s) can have a coating and/or othersurface enhancement of any type described above. In some cases, aninternal sleeve is provided in combination with an exterior sleeve (orother exterior wall or component of the guide housing), a punch guidetip, and/or a punch carrier comprising (optionally consistingessentially of) aluminum or another material having a lesser hardnessthan the material of the internal sleeve. An internal sleeve, forexample, can be press fit into each tool-receipt opening such that asleeve bounds each tool-receipt opening.

One group of embodiments provides a guide housing 14 comprising aplurality of sleeves. Here, the guide housing 14 can comprise two,three, or more sleeves. In some of these embodiments, at least one ofthe sleeves comprises a material selected from the group consisting of aceramic, a porcelyn, a carbon fiber, and an oil-impregnated metal (suchas bronze). In one embodiment of the present group, at least two sleevesare shrink-fitted together to form the guide housing 14. Additionally oralternatively, a bonding agent can be provided to bond together at leasttwo sleeves of the guide housing 14. In the present embodiments, theguide housing 14 preferably comprises one or more sleeves that can beremoved from the rest of the guide housing and replacednon-destructively (i.e., without destroying the rest of the guidehousing).

FIGS. 32-34 depict exemplary sleeving embodiments wherein the guidehousing 14 comprises an internal sleeve 14I, a core sleeve 14C, and anexternal sleeve 14E. In some embodiments, at least one of these sleevescomprises (e.g., consists essentially of) a non-metallic material, whileat least one of the others is metal. In some cases, at least one sleevecomprises an aircraft metal selected from the group consisting ofberyllium, titanium, magnesium, and aluminum (or an alloy including oneor more of these metals). In some of these cases, at least one of theother sleeves is formed of steel. In one embodiment, at least one sleevecomprises a material selected from the group consisting of a ceramic, aporcelyn, a carbon fiber, and an oil-impregnated metal (such as bronze).Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the other sleeves may beformed of steel or an aircraft metal. If desired, one of the sleeves canbe omitted such that the guide housing 14 has only two sleeves.Alternatively, three or more sleeves can be used.

Multi-Tool Push-Button Technology

Certain embodiments provide a multi-tool 10 having a push-buttonassembly 850 adapted for releasably holding together a driver assembly12 and a guide housing 14 of the multi-tool. The push-button assembly850 can, for example, be adapted to secure (or “lock”) the driverassembly 12 to a center post 20 of the multi-tool. In some cases, thepush-button assembly is a tool-free actuator adapted for being actuatedby a tool-free operation (e.g., by simply pushing a button) so as tounlock the driver assembly 12 from the center post 20 of the multi-tool(e.g., such that the driver assembly can subsequently be removed fromthe guide housing). Additionally or alternatively, the push-buttonassembly can optionally be so located on the multi-tool that a button ofthe assembly is exposed, and is capable of being pressed by an operator,without requiring any disassembly of the multi-tool and/or without usingany tool.

Thus, certain embodiments provide a multi-tool which when fullyassembled has a push-button assembly 850 with a button that can bepressed manually (e.g., using one's finger) without using any tool.Preferably, the button is on the exterior of the multi-tool. The button,for example, can be located in an opening surrounded by (e.g., definedby) a top plate 12 of the multi-tool. Exemplary embodiments of thisnature are shown in FIGS. 26-29. Here, the button assembly 850 issurrounded by the driver assembly 12 when the multi-tool is fullyassembled.

The push-button assembly can be incorporated into many different typesof multi-tools. Preferably, the multi-tool 10 in these embodiments isadapted to carry a plurality of tools (optionally punches) 16. Forexample, the multi-tool 10 preferably has a plurality of tool-receiptopenings 40 adapted to receive respective tools 16. In some cases, thetools 16 will be punches, and the tool-receipt openings 40 will bepunch-receipt openings.

The present push button embodiments are exemplified in FIGS. 8, 9, 11,12, 21-23, 26-29, and 35-38. Here, the push-button assembly 850 has atleast one ball 800. The ball(s) can optionally be replaced with othersuitable wedge or catch members. In the illustrated embodiments, thepush-button assembly 850 is adapted for securing a driver assembly (or“driver”) 12 to a center post 20 of the multi-tool. In some embodiments,the push button assembly 850 (optionally a push button thereof) has aside surface 850S that defines a recess 850R.

Preferably, the push-button assembly 850 (and/or a push button thereof)has first and second positions. When the driver 12 is operablypositioned on the center post 20 and the push-button assembly 850 is inits first position, the driver 12 is secured to the center post 20. Whenthe push-button assembly 850 is in its second position, the driver 12 isfree to be removed from the center post 20. Preferably, the buttonassembly is adapted to secure the driver assembly 12 to the center post20 in such a way that the driver (or at least a striker 28 thereof) isfree to rotate about the center post and/or relative to the guidehousing 14.

In FIGS. 8, 9, 11, 12, and 21-23, the driver 12 has an interior wall 12Ithat defines a recess 12R, and when this driver 12 is secured to thecenter post 20, the driver's recess 12R receives an outer extremity ofthe illustrated ball 800 such that the ball is wedged between anexterior side surface 850S of the push button 850 and the interior wall12I of the driver 12. In these embodiments, the push button is biasedtoward its first position by a spring 852 (which can optionally bereplaced by another bias member, preferably a resilient bias member).Thus, the driver 12 is secured to (i.e., prevented from coming off) thecenter post 20 when the push button 850 is in its first position. Whenit is desired to remove the driver 12 from the center post 20, the pushbutton 850 can be depressed (e.g., downwardly toward to a bottom end ofthe multi-tool) so as to overcome the bias of the spring 852 or otherbias member. This causes the recess 850R on the side 850S of the pushbutton 850 to move into alignment with the ball 800 (at which point thepush button is in its second position), such that the ball is then freeto move inwardly (e.g., into, or further into, the recess 850R). Thisfreedom of the ball to move inwardly allows the ball to be moved out oflocking engagement with the driver 12, such that the driver can then beremoved from the center post 20.

FIGS. 26-29 and 35-38 depict embodiments involving another push-buttonassembly. Here, the push button assembly carries a plurality of balls800. The balls 800 can be replaced with any other wedge members, such aswedges, bullet-shaped bodies, rollers, etc. In FIG. 35, three balls 800are shown, but the number of balls 800 can be varied as desired. Thecenter post 20 of this multi-tool does not carry the balls 800. Rather,the balls 800 are carried by the button assembly 850. In theseembodiments, the center post 20 has a recessed portion 20R bounding arecess (or “channel”) in the exterior side of the center post. Theillustrated channel extends all the way around the perimeter of thecenter post 20, although this is not strictly required. A head 20H ofthe center post (or another section having a larger dimension, e.g.,diameter, than the recessed portion 20R) bounds one end of the channelin the side of the post 20. Reference is made to FIG. 37.

In FIGS. 26-29 and 35-38, when the driver assembly 12 is mounted on thecenter post 20 and the push-button assembly 850 is in its first position(i.e., its locked position), the driver assembly is locked to the centerpost, preferably such that the driver assembly (or at least a striker 28thereof) is free to rotate about the center post and/or relative to theguide housing 14. This rotational attachment results from the balls 800being wedged between the head 20H of the center post 20 and walls (e.g.,rigid surfaces) of the push-button assembly 850. This is perhaps bestseen in FIGS. 26 and 27.

In more detail, each ball 800 in FIGS. 26 and 27 is wedged between a leg855 of the button assembly 850 and the head 20H of the center post 20.Each leg 855 defines a recess that can be moved into and out ofengagement with one of the balls 800. When the recess in a leg 855 isaligned with a ball 800, that ball is free to move away from (and out oflocking engagement with) the center post 20. The button assembly movesfrom its first position (its locked position) to its second position(its unlocked position) in response to an operator pressing a button cap859 or another exposed portion of the button assembly 850. This causes asubassembly or a component of the button assembly 850 to move toward theworking end of the multi-tool.

In FIGS. 35 and 36, the illustrated button assembly 850 comprises a basemember 858, a slider member 852, a plurality of balls 800, a springmember 850SP, and a cap 859. Here, the base member 858 and the slidermember 852 can be mated together such that the slider member can bemoved relative to the base portion. In particular, the slider portion852 has a plurality of legs 855 which, when the slider 852 and base 858portions are mated, are slidably received in corresponding slots definedby the base portion 858. Thus, when the button assembly moves betweenits first and second positions, the slider member 852 moves relative tothe base member 858. The spring 850SP biases the slider member 852 awayfrom the base member 858, such that the balls 800 are maintained intheir locked position unless an operator presses the button so as toovercome the bias of the spring 850SP, thereby moving the recessesdefined by the legs 855 of the slider member 852 into alignment with theballs 800. The illustrated spring is a compressible wave spring,although other spring types can be used. In the present embodiment, theopening 22 is defined by the cap 859 and serves as an air vent for thelubrication reservoir 240 bounded by the button assembly 850. Ifdesired, the cap 22 can be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 35, there is an opening (not shown) in the bottom ofthe slider member 852, such that lubricant can flow through the buttonassembly 850 and into a lubrication reservoir 24 bounded by the driverassembly 12. This is representative of embodiments wherein a multi-toolhas a button assembly that can be actuated (e.g., by an operatormanually pushing a button on the multi-tool) so as to unlock a driverassembly from a center post 20 of the multi-tool, and wherein the buttonassembly has (e.g., defines) an internal lubrication passage throughwhich lubricant delivered to the multi-tool can pass (optionally whenflowing to a lubrication reservoir 24 bounded by the driver assemblyand/or when flowing to a direct lubrication passage 26 of any typedescribed above).

In the exemplary button assembly 850 of FIG. 35, the balls 800 aredisposed in respective openings 858B defined by the base member 858.Here, the openings 858B can be formed by boring (e.g., drilling)inwardly from the outside of the base member 858, leaving an internallip at the end of each bore to prevent the balls from escaping.

Multi-Tool Rotation Groove Technology

Certain embodiments provide a multi-tool having a driver assembly and/ora guide housing with rotation grooves. The driver assembly 12, forexample, can optionally have a body portion 12B that is adapted to benested rotatably inside an interior wall of a guide housing 14 of themulti-tool. This can optionally be the case for any embodiment of thisdisclosure. In these embodiments, the multi-tool preferably can beindexed by causing relative rotation of the driver assembly 12 and theguide housing 14. For example, the guide housing 14 may be heldstationary while the driver assembly 12 is rotated within the guidehousing. Alternatively, the driver assembly 12 can be held stationarywhile the guide housing 14 is rotated about the driver assembly. Asanother alternative, the driver assembly 12 and the guide housing 14 canboth be rotated. Thus, the multi-tool 10 (in the present embodiments, orany embodiments described in other sections of the present disclosure)can be of the fixed, indexable, or auto-indexable varieties.

In the present embodiments, the rotation grooves can be incorporatedinto many different types of multi-tools. Preferably, the multi-tool 10in these embodiments is adapted to carry a plurality of tools(optionally punches) 16. For example, the multi-tool 10 preferably has aplurality of tool-receipt openings 40 adapted to receive respectivetools 16. In some cases, the tools 16 will be punches, and thetool-receipt openings 40 will be punch-receipt openings.

Exemplary rotation grooves are shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2D, 24, and 25.Here, the driver 12 is provided with rotation grooves 12G, 12HG.Alternatively or additionally, the guide housing can be provided withrotation grooves. The illustrated embodiments provide rotation grooves12G, 12HG on the driver 12 and ball plungers BP on the guide housing 14.However, this arrangement can be reversed, if so desired. Moreover, theball plungers can be replaced with balls, pins, ridges, dimples,shoulders, and/or other projections. The rotation grooves 12G, 12HG andcooperating ball plungers BP can facilitate proper rotation and/or cankeep the multi-tool from over-rotating due to acceleration anddeceleration forces when rotating and stopping.

Optionally, the driver body 12B has an exterior surface in which areformed a plurality of vertical rotation grooves 12G spaced apart aboutthe perimeter of the driver body. Additionally or alternatively, theexterior surface of the driver body can optionally have one or morehorizontal rotation grooves 12HG. When the driver assembly 12B is nestedrotatably within the guide housing 14, the illustrated ball plungers BPdesirably are adapted to ride along the horizontal rotation groove 12HG.Further, the vertical rotation grooves 12G can prevent over-rotatingduring rotating and stopping, as the ball plungers can be easily stoppedupon reaching respective vertical rotation grooves 12G.

Combination Embodiments

A first group of embodiments described above involves a multi-toolhaving a tool-access skid plate. The tool-access skid plate feature canbe referred to as Feature I. A second group of embodiments describedabove involves a multi-tool having a direct lubrication system. Thedirect lubrication system feature can be referred to as Feature II. Athird group of embodiments described above involves a multi-tool havinga tool-retention skid plate. The tool-retention skid plate feature canbe referred to as Feature III. A fourth group of embodiments describedabove involves a multi-tool adapted to provide unguided self-strippingtool utilization. This feature can be referred to as Feature IV. A fifthgroup of embodiments described above involves a form-up multi-tool. Thisfeature can be referred to as Feature V. A sixth group of embodimentsdescribed above involves a multi-tool having a surface enhancement. Thesurface enhancement feature can be referred to as Feature VI. A seventhgroup of embodiments described above involves a multi-tool having asleeve feature. The sleeve feature can be referred to as Feature VII. Aneighth group of embodiments described above involves a multi-tool havinga push-button feature. The push-button feature can be referred to asFeature VIII. A ninth group of embodiments described above involves amulti-tool having a rotation-groove feature. The rotation-groove featurecan be referred to as Feature IX.

The invention provides a number of combination embodiments wherein twoor more (e.g., any two or more) of these features are provided incombination. For example, a multi-tool can advantageously be providedwith Features I and II. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2B is one example.Further, a multi-tool can be provided with Features I and III. Theembodiment shown in FIG. 11 is one example. A multi-tool can also beprovided with Features I and VI. Further, a multi-tool can be providedwith Features I and VII. Still further, a multi-tool can be providedwith Features I and VIII. An exemplary embodiment of this nature isshown in FIG. 12. A multi-tool can also be provided with Features I andIX. Reference is made, for example, to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

Further, a multi-tool can be provided with Features II and III. Anexemplary embodiment of this nature is shown in FIG. 23. Still further,a multi-tool can be provided with Features II and IV. An exemplaryembodiment of this nature is shown in FIG. 19. The embodiment shown inFIG. 7A is another example. A multi-tool can also be provided withFeatures II and VI. Further, a multi-tool can be provided with FeaturesII and VII. Still further, a multi-tool can be provided with Features IIand VIII. Reference is made to FIGS. 22 and 23. A multi-tool can also beprovided with Features II and IX. Embodiments like those of FIGS. 2A and2B are exemplary.

In some combination embodiments, a multi-tool is provided with FeaturesIII and VI. Further, certain combination embodiments provide amulti-tool having Features III and VII. Still further, some combinationembodiments provide a multi-tool having Features III and VIII.Embodiments like that of FIG. 23 are exemplary. A multi-tool can also beprovided with Features III and IX.

The invention provides certain embodiments involving a multi-tool withFeatures IV and VI. In some combination embodiments, a multi-tool isprovided with Features IV and VII. Further, certain combinationembodiments provide a multi-tool having Features IV and VIII. Stillfurther, some combination embodiments provide a multi-tool havingFeatures IV and IX. Reference is made to FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 19.

Additionally, the invention provides some combination embodimentsinvolving a multi-tool having Features V and VI.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides a multi-tool havingFeatures VI and VII. Further, certain combination embodiments provide amulti-tool having Features VI and VIII. Still further, some combinationembodiments provide a multi-tool having Features VI and IX.

The invention also provides some embodiments involving a multi-toolhaving Features VII and VIII. Further, certain embodiments provide amulti-tool having Features VII and IX.

Further, a multi-tool can be provided with Features VIII and IX incombination. Reference is made to FIGS. 25-29.

One set of combination embodiments provides a multi-tool having FeaturesI, II, and III in combination. Reference is made to FIG. 23. Another setof combination embodiments provides a multi-tool having Features II, IV,and IX. Reference is made to FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 19. A further set ofcombination embodiments provides a multi-tool having Features I, II,III, and VIII. Embodiments like that of FIG. 23 are exemplary. Manyother variants will be apparent to skilled artisans given the presentteaching as a guide.

Selected Embodiments

With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown a partially exploded view of amulti-tool in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. Themulti-tool 10 can be used, for example, in a punch press or anothermachine tool. The multi-tool 10 has an upper portion 12, referred toherein as a driver assembly, and a lower portion 14, referred to hereinas a guide housing. The guide housing 14 is adapted to receive aplurality of tools 16 (optionally punches). The tools can be punchingtools, forming tools, dies, etc. Prior to use, the driver assembly 12 isassembled together with the guide housing 14. In FIG. 1, the driverassembly 12 has a body portion 12B that can be disposed (e.g., secured)within an interior cavity 15 of the guide housing 14. Once the tool 16shown in FIG. 1 is mounted in its desired position inside the guidehousing 14 (and once any other desired tools are mounted in themulti-tool), the body portion 12B of the driver assembly 12 can beinserted into the cavity 15 bounded by the upper portion 14U of theguide housing 14. The driver assembly 12 can then be fixedly secured tothe guide housing 14. For example, a fastener 18 (FIG. 2B) with one endsecured to the driver assembly 12 can extend through a central openingCO in the body portion 12B of the driver assembly 12 and into aretaining post 20 that is anchored relative to (e.g., mounted to) theguide housing. While many different fasteners 18 can be used, one usefuldesign employs a hex head fastener (e.g., a hex head bolt) that couplesto the retaining post 20. The fastener 18 here can be accessed throughan opening 22 defined by a top plate 12P of the driver assembly 12.FIGS. 2A and 2B show this driver assembly 12 coupled to the guidehousing 14.

With reference to FIG. 2B, there is shown a cutaway side profile view ofthe multi-tool embodiment of FIG. 2A. Here, the illustrated driverassembly 12 includes a top plate 12P and a body portion 12B. The topplate 12P defines an opening 22 through which an Allen wrench or thelike can be extended to tighten or loosen the fastener 18. Lubricationcan also be delivered into the multi-tool via this opening 22. Theillustrated driver assembly 12 defines a lube reservoir 24, a directlubrication passage 26, and a lubrication outlet 29, as described above.

The driver 12 can be formed of steel, although other materials can alsobe used. In some embodiments, at least part of the driver is formed of ahardenable or hardened material, such as through-hardened steel orpre-hardened steel. This may extend the life and durability of thedriver. For example, it can be advantageous to use hardened steel forall high-wear areas/components of the driver, optionally usingpre-hardened steel for all other areas of the driver.

In FIG. 2B, the body portion 12B and the top plate 12P of the driverassembly 12 are separate pieces. These two components 12B, 12P can besecured together by a plurality of fasteners 180 (e.g., hex head bolts),as is perhaps best appreciated with reference to FIG. 1. As analternative, the body portion 12B and top plate 12P can be one integralbody. Thus, the driver assembly 12 can optionally be a single unit, withthe fastener 18 and sealing member 520 being its only separate pieces.

The guide housing 14 can have a working end 33 (optionally a bottom end)adapted to hold one or a plurality of stripper plates 34. The guidehousing 14 can include a punch carrier 42 and a punch guide tip 43. InFIG. 2B, the punch carrier and the punch guide tip are separate bodiesmounted within the guide housing, such that the punch carrier and thepunch guide tip together define a plurality of tool-receipt openings(e.g., punch-receipt openings) 40. In FIG. 2B, stripping springs 36 aredisposed between the punch carrier 42 and the punch guide tip 43. Theguide housing 14 and the punch guide tip 43 can be one integral piece,or they can be two separate pieces. In FIG. 2B, they are shown as beingseparate pieces, although this is not required. When operativelypositioned, the punch carrier 42 rests on top of the stripping springs36. In the embodiment of FIG. 2B, each stripper spring 36 is disposed inconfronting recesses 47, 147 defined respectively by the punch guide tip43 and the punch carrier 42. Preferably, there is a space 49 between thepunch carrier 42 and the punch guide tip 43 (at least when the punchcarrier 42 rests in its default position between pressing operations).This allows the punch carrier 42 to traverse downwardly when the driverassembly 12 is impacted by a ram of a punch press. Once this impact isover, the stripping springs 36 act to force the punch carrier 42 back toits default position (shown in FIG. 2B). In the embodiment of FIG. 2B,the punch guide tip 43 is held in place by a fastener (e.g., a hex bolt)60 that is anchored to the retaining post 20 of the multi-tool. Thepunch guide tip 43 can also be secured directly to the guide housing bya plurality of fasteners (e.g., hex bolts) connecting a flange 435 ofthe punch guide tip 43 to the bottom edge 14E of the guide housing. Theretaining post 20 can help secure the punch carrier 42 and punch guidetip 43 in their respective positions. For example, the illustratedretaining post 20 has a shoulder 20S that limits upward movement of thepunch carrier 42. Here, a downwardly-facing shoulder 20S of theretaining post 20 is engaged by an upwardly-facing shoulder 42S of thepunch carrier 42 when the punch carrier is held in its default (i.e.,uppermost) position by the resilient bias of the stripping springs 36.

The guide housing 14, punch carrier 42, and punch guide tip 43 can beformed of steel, although other materials can be used for one or more ofthese components. In some embodiments, at least part of at least one ofthese components 14, 42, 43 is formed of a hardenable or hardenedmaterial, such as through-hardened steel or pre-hardened steel. This mayextend the life and durability of the component(s) in question. Forexample, it can be advantageous to use hardened steel for all high-wearareas/components of the guide housing 14, punch carrier 42, and punchguide tip 43, optionally using pre-hardened steel for all other areas ofthese components 14, 42, 43.

The multi-tool 10 can be adapted for use with many different types oftools 16. Preferably, the multi-tool is adapted to hold a plurality oftools. The tools may be punching tools (i.e., punches), forming tools,dies, etc. Some exemplary punch types will now be described.

Generally, the punch will have a head 41 and a tip 52. The head 41 canoptionally be removably connected to a punch body 50 that has (e.g.,defines) the tip 52. An exemplary tool design of this nature is shown inFIG. 2B. Alternatively, a single body can define both the head 41 andthe tip 52. An exemplary tool design of this nature is shown in FIG. 12.Referring again to FIG. 2B, the head 41 of the illustrated tool 16 canbe connected to the punch body 50 by screwing a threaded portion of thehead 41 into a correspondingly threaded portion of the punch body 50.Here, the head 41 has an exteriorly threaded male portion received in aninteriorly threaded female portion of the punch body 50. Thisarrangement, however, can be reversed. In certain embodiments, the punch16 has exterior lubrication channels 76. These channels 76, whenprovided, preferably are adapted to distribute a lubricant about anexterior of the tool and about an interior of the tool-receipt openingin which such tool is received.

The punch can be formed of steel, although many other materials can alsobe used. In some cases, at least part of the punch (e.g., the partforming the tip) is formed of a hardenable or hardened material, such asthrough-hardened steel or pre-hardened steel. This may extend the lifeand durability of the punch.

FIGS. 3 and 3A depict an exemplary self-stripping punch that can be usedin certain embodiments of the invention. The illustrated punch 16 has ahead 41, stripping spring 99, seat body 44, an O-ring 46, a punch driver48, punch body 50, and tip 52. Here, the head 41 is secured to the punchdriver 48 by screwing an exteriorly threaded top end region 48T of thepunch driver 48 into the interiorly threaded wall 41W of the head 41,and then screwing a hex head bolt or the like (not shown) through atransverse opening 54 in the head 41. A stripping spring 99 is disposedabout the punch driver 48 and seated between the head 41 and a seat body44 carried against a shoulder 48S of the punch driver 48. Here, the seatbody 44 defines an O-ring groove for an O-ring 46. The punch body 50 hasan interiorly-threaded top section in which an exteriorly-threadedbottom end region 48B of the punch driver 48 can be threadingly secured.The punch body 50 defines the tip 52.

The head 41, punch driver 48, and punch body 50 can be formed of steel,although other materials can also be used. In some cases, at least partof at least one of these punch components 41, 48, 50 is formed of ahardenable or hardened material, such as through-hardened steel orpre-hardened steel. This may extend the life and durability of thecomponent(s) in question. The stripping spring 99 and O-ring 46 areconventional and can be obtained from a variety of well known commercialsuppliers.

The multi-tool can optionally have a generally-cylindricalconfiguration. However, this is not required for any multi-toolembodiment of the present disclosure. For instance, sheet feed, stripfeed, or press brake applications may find particular benefit inembodiments where the multi-tool is other than generally cylindrical.Shapes of this nature may also be beneficial for a variety of turretpress applications, single-station press applications, etc.

In one embodiment, the multi-tool has a generally cubic shape. Inanother embodiment, it has a generally triangular horizontal crosssection. In still other embodiments, the multi-tool has an irregularconfiguration. Moreover, a variety of configurations involving variouspolygonal horizontal cross sections can be used. In one embodiment, theguide housing 14 has an exterior configuration with a horizontal crosssection that is generally square, rectangular, or otherwise polygonal,while the driver assembly 12 (or at least a body portion 12 thereof) hasa generally cylindrical exterior configuration. In this embodiment, theguide housing preferably has an interior wall (e.g., bounding anoptional interior cavity 15) with a generally cylindrical interiorconfiguration.

Further, the tool-receipt openings 40 need not be generally circular incross section. This is the case for any multi-tool embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The tool-receipt openings 40, for example, can havea cross section that is square, rectangular, triangular, oval-shaped,etc. In embodiments of this nature, the individual tools 16 preferablyhave corresponding non-round configurations, as this can provide akeying function for the tools 16.

Thus, embodiments of the MULTI-TOOL TECHNOLOGY are disclosed. Oneskilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be practicedwith embodiments other than those disclosed. The disclosed embodimentsare presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation, and theinvention is limited only by the claims that follow.

1. A multi-tool having a plurality of tool-receipt openings adapted toreceive respective tools, the multi-tool being configured to be mountedat a single tool-mount location on a press, the multi-tool having acentral vertical axis and comprising: a guide housing; a driver assemblyhaving a top and a striker, the top of the driver assembly beingconfigured to be struck by a ram of the press in response to which aload-delivery surface of the striker delivers pressing force directly toan activated tool in said desired tool-receipt opening, wherein arelative rotation of the striker and the tool-receipt openings can beperformed such that the striker is selectively aligned with a desiredone of the tool-receipt openings; and the driver assembly surrounds aninternal lube reservoir located on the multi-tool's central verticalaxis, the driver assembly defining a direct lubrication passage that isin fluid communication with said centrally located internal lubereservoir and thus receives lubricant from the reservoir, the directlubrication passage extending outwardly from said centrally locatedinternal lube reservoir to an outlet defined by the striker, the outletbeing configured to deliver lubricant directly to a location adjacent tosaid desired tool-receipt opening, the direct lubrication passagecomprising: i) a first section and second section, the first sectionextending away from said centrally located internal lube reservoir, thefirst section being parallel to the striker's load-delivery surface, thesecond section extending from the first section to said outlet, thesecond section being perpendicular to the striker's load-deliverysurface, or ii) a length extending along an axis that is offset by anoblique angle relative to the multi-tool's central vertical axis.
 2. Themulti-tool of claim 1, wherein the outlet of the direct lubricationpassage is configured to deliver lubricant selectively to said locationadjacent to said desired tool-receipt opening.
 3. The multi-tool ofclaim 1, wherein the driver assembly comprises top plate and bodyportions, the top plate portion having a generally disk-shapedconfiguration, the body portion having a generally cylindricalconfiguration, the top plate portion having a larger diameter than thebody portion.
 4. The multi-tool of claim 3, wherein the body portion ofthe driver assembly has a bottom face from which the striker projects,the striker's bottom face defining the load-delivery surface.
 5. Themulti-tool of claim 4, wherein the striker is configured such that itsload-delivery surface can contact any desired one of a plurality oftools in the multi-tool without simultaneously contacting any other toolin the multi-tool.
 6. The multi-tool of claim 1, wherein a top plate ofthe driver assembly surrounds an opening through which lubricant passeswhen being delivered to the lube reservoir.
 7. The multi-tool of claim1, wherein the driver assembly has a top plate and a body portion, thebody portion defining a face from which the striker projects, whereinthe direct lubrication passage extends through the body portion of thedriver assembly and through the striker before opening through a surfaceof the striker.
 8. A multi-tool having a plurality of tool-receiptopenings adapted to receive respective tools, the multi-tool beingconfigured to he mounted at a single tool-mount location on a press, themulti-tool having a central vertical axis and comprising: a guidehousing; a driver assembly having a top, a body portion, and a striker,the top of the driver assembly being configured to be struck by a ram ofthe press in response to which a load-delivery surface of the strikerdelivers pressing force directly to an activated tool in said desiredtool-receipt opening, wherein a relative rotation of the striker and thetool-receipt openings can be performed such that the striker isselectively aligned with a desired one of the tool-receipt openings,wherein the body portion of the driver assembly bounds a central openingconfigured to receive a center retaining post of the multi-tool, thestriker being located on one side of said central opening; and thedriver assembly surrounds an internal lube reservoir located on themulti-tool's central vertical axis, the driver assembly defining adirect lubrication passage that is in fluid communication with saidcentrally located internal lube reservoir and thus receives lubricantfrom the reservoir, the direct lubrication passage extending outwardlyfrom said centrally located internal lube reservoir to an outlet definedby the striker, the outlet being configured to deliver lubricantdirectly to a location adjacent to said desired tool-receipt opening,the direct lubrication passage comprising: i) a first section and secondsection, the first section extending away from said centrally locatedinternal lube reservoir, the first section being parallel to thestriker's load-delivery surface, the second section extending from thefirst section to said outlet, the second section being perpendicular tothe striker's load-delivery surface, or ii) a length extending along anaxis that is offset by an oblique angle relative to the multi-tool'scentral vertical axis.
 9. The multi-tool of claim 1, wherein the directlubrication passage is configured to deliver lubricant substantiallyexclusively to said location adjacent to said desired tool-receiptopening.
 10. The multi-tool of claim 2, wherein the driver assembly isconfigured such that, when lubricant is being delivered to said locationadjacent to said desired tool-receipt opening via the direct lubricationpassage, the driver assembly restricts lubricant flow to non-selectedones of the tool-receipt openings.
 11. The multi-tool of claim 1,wherein the multi-tool is configured to simultaneously deliver oilthrough the direct lubrication passage directly to an activated tool insaid desired tool-receipt opening and indirectly to non-activated toolsin the multi-tool.
 12. The multi-tool of claim 1, wherein the directlubrication passage has an outlet provided with a seal having a closedconfiguration and an open configuration, wherein lubricant is preventedfrom passing through the outlet when the seal is in the closedconfiguration, and lubricant is free to flow through the outlet when theseal is in the open configuration.
 13. The multi-tool of claim 12,wherein the seal is adapted to move from the closed configuration to theopen configuration in response to the striker contacting a head of aselected tool mounted in said desired tool-receipt opening.
 14. Themulti-tool of claim 13, wherein part of the seal projects outwardlybeyond the striker's load-delivery surface when the seal is in theclosed configuration.
 15. A multi-tool having a plurality oftool-receipt openings in which respective tools are received, themulti-tool being configured to be mounted at a single tool-mountlocation on a press, the multi-tool having a central vertical axis andcomprising: a guide housing; a driver assembly having a top and astriker, wherein a relative rotation of the driver assembly and thetool-receipt openings can be performed so as to selectively align thestriker with an activated one of the tools, the striker being alignedwith said activated tool, the top of the driver assembly beingconfigured to be struck by a ram of the press in response to which aload-delivery surface of the striker delivers pressing force directly tosaid activated tool, said activated tool having an internal lubepassage, the driver assembly surrounds an internal lube reservoirlocated on the multi-tool's central vertical axis, wherein the driverassembly of the multi-tool has a direct lubrication passage that is influid communication with said centrally located internal lube reservoirand thus receives lubricant from the reservoir, the direct lubricationpassage extending outwardly from said centrally located internal lubereservoir to an outlet defined by the striker, the outlet beingconfigured to deliver lubricant directly to a location adjacent to aninlet of the internal lube passage of said activated tool, the directlubrication passage comprising: i) a first section and second section,the first section extending away from said centrally located internallube reservoir, the first section being parallel to the striker'sload-delivery surface, the second section extending from the firstsection to said outlet, the second section being perpendicular to thestriker's load-delivery surface, or ii) a length extending along an axisthat is offset by an oblique angle relative to the multi-tool's centralvertical axis.
 16. The multi-tool of claim 15, wherein a desiredvertical axis passing through said outlet of the driver assembly'sdirect lubrication passage also passes through said activated tool. 17.The multi-tool of claim 16, wherein said desired vertical axis alsopasses through the inlet of the internal lube passage of said activatedtool.
 18. The multi-tool of claim 17, wherein the internal lube passageof said activated tool is configured to deliver lubricant, via internalpassages extending through said activated tool, to outlets on anexterior of said activated tool.
 19. The multi-tool of claim 18, whereinsaid activated tool has an external lubrication channel in communicationwith the internal lube passage, the external lubrication channel beingan outwardly open channel defined by an exterior wall of said activatedtool.
 20. The multi-tool of claim 15, wherein the outlet of the directlubrication passage is configured to deliver lubricant selectively tosaid location adjacent to the inlet of the internal lube passage of saidactivated tool.
 21. The multi-tool of claim 15, wherein the striker'sload-delivery surface is configured to deliver pressing force to saidactivated tool without contacting any other tool in the multi-tool. 22.The multi-tool of claim 15, wherein the driver assembly comprises topplate and body portions, the top plate portion having a generallydisk-shaped configuration, the body portion having a generallycylindrical configuration, the top plate portion having a largerdiameter than the body portion.
 23. The multi-tool of claim 15, whereina top plate portion of the driver assembly surrounds an opening throughwhich lubricant passes when being delivered to the lube reservoir. 24.The multi-tool of claim 15, wherein the driver assembly has a bodyportion that bounds a central opening in which is received a centerretaining post of the multi-tool.
 25. The multi-tool of claim 15,wherein the direct lubrication passage is configured to deliverlubricant substantially exclusively to said location adjacent to theinlet of the internal lube passage of said activated tool.
 26. Themulti-tool of claim 15, wherein the multi-tool is configured tosimultaneously deliver oil through the direct lubrication passagedirectly to an activated tool in said desired tool-receipt opening andindirectly to non-activated tools in the multi-tool.
 27. The multi-toolof claim 15, wherein the multi-tool is provided in combination with apress machine having a built-in air/oil lubrication system configured todeliver a pressurized stream of air and oil into the multi-tool.